No Clear Number One: Lazio Set For Unprecedented Goalkeeper Split Under Sarri

Lazio’s goalkeeper dilemma is taking a new turn this season as manager Maurizio Sarri looks set to keep both Ivan Provedel and Christos Mandas in his plans. In a move rarely seen at the top level, Sarri appears ready to break with tradition and share duties between the two shot-stoppers, aiming to maximize their strengths and minimize discontent in the squad.

For the past two years, the battle for Lazio’s number one jersey has been fierce. Ivan Provedel was Sarri’s trusted choice in his first stint with the club, while Mandas proved himself as a capable deputy under Igor Tudor when Provedel was sidelined through injury in 2024. Last season, Provedel started as the main goalkeeper under Marco Baroni, with Mandas mostly confined to domestic cup appearances. However, a string of unconvincing displays from the Italian veteran saw Mandas seize his chance, impressing in the latter stages of the campaign.

Now, as Sarri returns, the coach faces a dilemma: stick with his longtime favorite or reward the emerging Greek with a starting spot. With no European or midweek fixtures to offer regular rotation, the challenge of keeping both keepers satisfied has become more complicated.

Reports from Il Corriere dello Sport suggest Sarri’s solution is to split Serie A matches almost evenly between Provedel and Mandas, giving each around 19 league appearances, in addition to Coppa Italia opportunities. Whether Sarri intends to alternate weekly or assign each keeper to a different phase of the season remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: a sale is off the table, given the transfer ban that prevents Lazio from bringing in reinforcements.

This approach has already been evident in preseason, where both goalkeepers have shared playing time. In the recent friendly against Galatasaray, Mandas started the match before Provedel was brought on for the final thirty minutes. Both produced key saves, yet each also bore responsibility for the goals conceded. Mandas was caught out by Torreira’s close-range header, while Provedel couldn’t keep out a long-range equalizer.

As the season approaches, the uncertainty in goal is both a challenge and an opportunity. Sarri’s decision to rotate could keep both players motivated but also risks creating instability in such a crucial position. With time ticking down to the new campaign, all eyes will be on Sarri as he weighs his options and decides who will ultimately stand between the posts when the Serie A action gets underway.