A New Goalkeeper Target for the Nerazzurri
Inter Milan have identified Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel as their primary target to serve as backup for current first-choice Josep Martinez, according to reports from Italy. The 31-year-old Italian shot-stopper has risen to the top of the Nerazzurri’s list of candidates for the role, surpassing several other options the club had been considering.
The move would see Provedel swap the Italian capital for Milan, taking on a supporting role behind Martinez, who established himself as Inter’s number one during the 2025-26 season. The Udinese-born goalkeeper has been a consistent performer for Lazio since joining the Biancocelesti, earning praise for his shot-stopping abilities and distribution under pressure.
Mandas Return Complicated the Situation
The interest in Provedel is intricately linked to the situation surrounding Greek goalkeeper Christos Mandas. The 23-year-old was sold to Bournemouth during the January transfer window on a loan with an option to buy, following a successful stint at Lazio where he had initially been brought in as Provedel’s understudy before eventually displacing him.
Mandas’s departure opened the door for Provedel to reclaim his spot at Lazio, but the subsequent emergence of interest from Inter has complicated matters. The Nerazzurri are now facing competition from other clubs who have also noted Provedel’s consistent performances and relative affordability compared to other Serie A goalkeepers.
Negotiations and Valuation
Inter are expected to open formal negotiations with Lazio in the coming weeks, with the Biancocelesti likely to demand a fee in the region of 5 million euros for the 31-year-old. Lazio president Claudio Lotito is known as a tough negotiator, but the relationship between the two clubs has been relatively positive in recent transfer windows.
Lazio may prefer to sell Provedel to a non-Italian club to avoid strengthening a direct rival, though Inter’s need for an experienced backup goalkeeper is well-documented. The Nerazzurri are looking for a reliable option who can step in when Martinez is unavailable, particularly during the congested fixture schedule that comes with Champions League participation.
What Provedel Would Bring to Inter
Provedel brings a wealth of Serie A experience, having made over 150 appearances in Italy’s top flight across spells with Udinese, Empoli, Spezia, and Lazio. His ability to play out from the back aligns well with Simone Inzaghi’s tactical requirements, and his experience as both a starter and a backup means he understands the demands of the role.
At 31, Provedel is entering the prime years for a goalkeeper and would likely be content with a supporting role at a club competing for major honours. Inter are keen to strengthen their squad depth across all positions as they prepare for another campaign challenging on multiple fronts.
