Lotito tells Mandas: 'Prove you’re number one' as Gattuso backs him at Lazio | OneFootball

Claudio Lotito has challenged Christos Mandas to step up, with the Lazio goalkeeper poised to get his chance as first choice.

Il Messaggero reports Lotito told him, "Now you can finally show that you’re number one", during a team dinner at Formello on Tuesday.

Mandas, 24, joined from OFI Crete in summer 2023 as back-up to Ivan Provedel. When Provedel missed the closing months of 2023/24 through injury, the Greek impressed and pushed for the shirt.

He later moved ahead of Provedel in Marco Baroni’s plans in the second half of the following season. Provedel regained the spot after reuniting with Maurizio Sarri in summer 2025, prompting Mandas to depart mid-season.

He joined Bournemouth on loan with an option to buy but did not play, as Andoni Iraola kept faith with Djordje Petrovic. Mandas returned to Rome this summer after no permanent deal materialised.

New head coach Gennaro Gattuso sanctioned Provedel’s transfer to Inter Milan and believes this is the right moment to hand Mandas the gloves. Edoardo Motta is in line to be number two after covering while Provedel underwent shoulder surgery in March.

With Alessio Furlanetto sidelined by an ACL injury, Davide Renzetti could be promoted to bolster depth.

Source: The Laziali