Maurizio Sarri Resorts to Unconventional Solution to Settle Lazio Goalkeeping Dilemma | OneFootball

Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri is so keen to keep both Ivan Provedel and Christos Mandas that he reportedly came up with a creative solution.

The Background

The two goalkeepers have been challenging one another for the Number One spot over the past two campaigns. While Provedel had been Sarri’s ultimate choice during his first tenure at the club, Mandas was able to prove himself during Igor Tudor’s brief spell in 2024, filling in for the injured Italian.

Ivan Provedel Lost His Place to Christos Mandas Last Season

Last season, Provedel began the campaign as Marco Baroni’s first choice, with the younger Greek custodian only playing in the cup competitions. However, things changed in the second half of the season, with the 31-year-old losing his starting berth due to some shaky displays, while Mandas put on more convincing showings.

Maurizio Sarri Facing Selection Headache

Therefore, Sarri has been handed a major dilemma: Restore his old favorite Provedel or entrust Mandas with the role. Either way, someone will be left upset by the decision, especially with no midweek football to serve as a consolation prize.

Sarri Willing to Rotate Between Mandas & Provedel?

According to Il Corriere dello Sport (via LazioNews24), Sarri has decided to go for an unconventional solution by splitting the role between the two shot-stoppers. Hence, Provedel and Mandas are each expected to play around 19 Serie A fixtures, in addition to the Coppa Italia ties.

Why Lazio Must Keep Both Goalkeepers

Nevertheless, the source remains unsure whether the manager will be rotating the two goalkeepers on a weekly basis, or split the campaign into phases, while designating a different custodian for each phase. It should also be noted that selling either one is hardly an option, given that Lazio won’t be able to replace him due to the transfer ban imposed by COVISOC.