Maurizio Sarri Makes Decision on Lazio Goalkeepers for Roma Derby & Beyond | OneFootball

Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri is being forced to walk on a thin line as he tries to find an arrangement that can satisfy Ivan Provedel, Christos Mandas, and the club’s hierarchy.

The Background

Last season, the Greek custodian managed to usurp his Italian teammate in Marco Baroni’s pecking order during the second half of the campaign. However, Provedel was restored as No.1 following Sarri’s return to Formello this summer.

The 31-year-old produced the goods in pre-season, but had a mixed bag on the opening day in Como, while he was almost a bystander in last weekend’s 4-0 victory over Hellas Verona.

Maurizio Sarri Put in Precarious Position

Nevertheless, Sarri doesn’t intend to alienate Mandas, who remains an important asset for the club, thanks to his young age and major promise. The 23-year-old is far from happy with his current status at the club after being relegated to the bench. The management is also worried about the situation, as they would like to preserve the Greek’s market value.

While pleasing all parties sounds like an almost impossible mission, Sarri might be the best suited for the task. After all, the 66-year-old was able to maintain order at Formello despite the bleak situation that engulfed the club during the summer.

Maurizio Sarri Sets Plans for Ivan Provedel & Christos Mandas

According to Il Messaggero (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), the former Napoli and Chelsea manager has already laid plans for the next month or so. He is expected to confirm Provedel between the sticks for the first two fixtures after the international break, which will see Lazio take on Sassuolo at the Mapei Stadium, before clashing heads with their arch-rivals Roma in the Derby della Capitale.

Ivan Provedel and Christos Mandas (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Afterwards, Sarri will hand Mandas two chances to prove his worth. The Greece international will reportedly feature against Genoa at the Luigi Ferraris, and then in the home fixture against Torino. The technical staff will then evaluate and compare the two goalkeepers’ performances and decide how to proceed.

Lazio Faced with Inevitable Choice

At the end of the season, the Biancocelesti will likely have to make a permanent decision: Either confirm Mandas as their long-term first-choice goalkeeper, or cash in on the young man and continue to entrust Provedel with the starting gloves.