Lazio finds themselves facing a new obstacle in their quest to turn around their disappointing season. Star goalkeeper Ivan Provedel, who emerged as a bright spot amidst their struggles, suffered a significant ankle sprain during their recent 2-1 loss against Udinese. This injury is expected to keep him sidelined for a worrying number of games, leaving the Biancocelesti with a significant void to fill in goal.
Provedel’s absence is a major blow for the club, considering his impressive performances this season. The 29-year-old has been a rock at the back, only conceding 31 goals (fifth-best), racking up an impressive 9 clean sheets (fifth-best), and making 78 saves (fifth-best) in 28 Serie A appearances. Only Wladimiro Falcone (133), Stefano Turati (125), Andrea Consigli (122), Lorenzo Montipo (118), and Michele Di Gregorio (114) have faced more shots than the Lazio shot-stopper (109).
Lazio’s struggles this season have been largely attributed to their lack of goalscoring prowess. Provedel’s absence only exacerbates the problem. Lazio will now have to rely on backup options Luigi Sepe and Christos Mandas.
Sepe, acquired on loan from Salernitana, has plenty of Serie A experience but has not played a single game for Lazio this season. While Sepe is likely the favorite to deputize for Provedel due to his age and nationality, his performances for Salernitana last season were mixed. He kept only 5 clean sheets in 34 appearances, conceding 1.5 goals per game on average. This is a significant drop compared to Provedel’s numbers. However, Mandas, a young Greek prospect, is even less tested, having just joined the club as a third-choice keeper this past Summer.
While both goalkeepers possess skill, they lack the established chemistry with the defense that Provedel has built. This could lead to a period of uncertainty and potential defensive vulnerability for Lazio. gremio osasco audax ec sp vs ec sao jose rs.
Provedel’s injury throws a wrench into Lazio’s plans for the rest of the season. Their hopes of climbing the table and securing European football next season might hinge on the ability of Sepe or Mandas to step up in his absence; while Sepe has experience, his recent lack of play is a concern.
With a crucial period of the season approaching, Lazio finds itself between a rock and a hard place, with Provedel’s absence a major hurdle to overcome. Their European aspirations, and potentially even their Serie A position, could hinge on the unproven shoulders of their backup goalkeepers.
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