Lazio keeper Ivan Provedel was inches away from joining Napoli at the start of the season, a new report has revealed. The 28-year-old was signed by the Biancocelesti from Spezia, and he has so far proved to be an indispensable part of Maurizio Sarri’s season plans.
As per Corriere dello Sport (via LazioNews24), Provedel was high on Napoli’s shortlist to replace Alex Meret, along with ex-PSG shotstopper Keylor Navas. However, the Scudetto leaders diverted their attention towards bolstering other positions with the acquisitions of Kim Min-jae, Franck Anguissa, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, among others, which has so far paid dividends.
Goalkeepers with most clean sheets in Europe's top five leagues ?
1⃣7⃣ Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona)
1⃣3⃣ Ivan Provedel (Lazio)
1⃣2⃣ Alex Meret (Napoli)
1⃣2⃣ Nick Pope (Newcastle)
1⃣1⃣ Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG) pic.twitter.com/jfxPT5kvHm— Stats24 (@_Stats24) February 28, 2023
Napoli were left hanging following their efforts for Navas, with Provedel as their second transfer choice. In the end, neither moved as the southerners focused on keeping Meret as the first-choice keeper.
Meanwhile, after losing both Pepe Reina and Thomas Strakosha on free transfers, Lazio eventually signed Provedel and Luis Maximiano, with the former quickly taking over the starting spot.
The capital outfit prepares to take on the Partenopei in a crucial clash tonight, which gives them a chance to leap into second spot despite having played a game more than the Milanese duo.
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |