Lotito Challenges Lazio Goalkeeper: “Prove You’re Number One” | OneFootball

Lazio patron Claudio Lotito urges Christos Mandas to take his game to the next level, as he’s finally going to be handed the opportunity he has been longing for.

The Background

The Biancocelesti signed the 24-year-old from OFI Crete in the summer of 2023, bringing him in as a backup for Ivan Provedel. But when the latter missed the final months of the 2023/24 campaign through injury, the Greek custodian proved he had what it takes to vie for a starting role.

The following season, Mandas even overtook his Italian counterpart in Marco Baroni’s pecking order during the second half of the season. However, Provedel restored his starting role following his reunion with Maurizio Sarri in the summer of 2025. This prompted Mandas’ mid-season exit.

Christos Mandas Spent His Bournemouth Loan Stint on the Bench

The Piraeus joined Bournemouth on loan with an option to buy, but he failed to make a single appearance, as Andoni Iraola chose to keep faith in Djordje Petrovic. Therefore, Mandas returned to Rome this summer after failing to secure a permanent transfer to the Cherries, but it proved to be a blessing in disguise.

Claudio Lotito Backs Mandas to Shine at Lazio

Lazio’s new head coach, Gennaro Gattuso, was happy to sanction Provedel’s transfer to Inter Milan, as he believes it is the right time to hand Mandas the starting gloves.  According to Il Messaggero (via LazioPress), Lotito has also confirmed this choice, offering words of support for the Greek international during Tuesday’s team dinner at Formello.

Lazio’s New-Look Goalkeeping Department

While Mandas is set to act as Lazio’s starting goalkeeper, Edoardo Motta should be the second choice. The 21-year-old was the pleasant surprise of the last few months of the season, filling in for Provedel, who underwent shoulder surgery in March. With Alessio Furlanetto out with an ACL injury, Davide Renzetti could be promoted to the first team to add depth to the goalkeeping department.