Gattuso Sets Lazio Goalkeeper Hierarchy as Lazio Awaits Bournemouth & Inter Milan Moves | OneFootball

Lazio manager Gennaro Gattuso has reportedly identified Christos Mandas as his first choice between the sticks, although a decision from Bournemouth remains pending.

Mandas’ Journey Between Lazio & Bournemouth

The 24-year-old has been on the club’s books since the summer of 2023. In his first season at the club, he managed to impress in the final months of the season when Ivan Provedel was injured. In his second camapign, he usurped the Italian to become Marco Baroni’s first choice in the final stretch of the campaign.

However, Provedel was reinstated as the first choice when Maurizio Sarri returned to the club last summer. After making a single appearance during the first half of the campaign, Mandas joined Bournemouth on loan for €2.5 million in January, but he wasn’t given any playing time, as Andoni Iraola kept relying on Djordje Petrovic as his ultimate choice.

Gennaro Gattuso Picks Mandas as First Choice at Lazio

As Il Messaggero explains, the Cherries have until June 15th to decide whether to buy the Greek goalkeeper for €18 million or drop their option. The Premier League club had tried to negotiate new terms, but Lazio refused. Therefore, Mandas is more likely to return to Rome than not.

The Roman newspaper reveals that Gattuso, who has already called several Lazio players, had a conversation with Mandas, promising him the first-choice role should he stay at the club. On the other hand, Edoardo Motta, who produced some heroics while Provedel was out in recent months, is expected to remain as an understudy, as he continues to develop his game.

Will Ivan Provedel Join Inter Milan?

Mandas’ future is also intertwined with Provedel’s, as neither custodian is willing to settle for a secondary role. The 32-year-old Italian is expected to depart this summer, with Inter Milan considered his most likely destination.

The Italian champions have parted ways with Yann Sommer and crowned Josep Martinez as their new No.1. Therefore, they’re looking to pair the Spaniard with an experienced shot-stopper. The source claims Lazio are asking for €5 million to sell Provedel, but with only one year left on his contract, the Nerazzurri might be reluctant to pay this figure.

In addition to Inter, the former Friulian goalkeeper also has other Serie A suitors, namely Bologna and Fiorentina, although the San Siro outfit is clearly leading the race.