Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel sat down with Serie A ahead of Matchday 19 to speak about the start of his goalkeeping career, his debut for the club, and the team’s seasonal objective.
Provedel’s Career Story
Safe hands. One of Serie A’s best goalkeepers. But Lazio’s Provedel didn’t start out between the sticks. In fact, the first battle he won as a young footballer was the right to play in goal.
“I’ve always wanted to be a goalkeeper ever since I was little… For one reason or another, I’d always been a forward, but I got to a point where I just wanted to be a goalkeeper. I wanted to play in goal or give up football, and so it proved as I was lucky enough to find a small club near my home where I was given the chance to do that and that’s where it all began. It’s great to score goals but I feel better and more fulfilled if I make a great save as a goalkeeper…”
Unexpected But Exciting Lazio Start
After two convincing campaigns with Spezia, Provedel joined Lazio last summer. He was to be the team’s stand-in. Then, in Matchday 1, debutant keeper Luis Maximiano was sent off after only six minutes. Provedel experienced a sliding doors moment and became Maurizio Sarri’s first choice in goal.
“I came here four days before the opening game, so I never would’ve expected to play in it and it wouldn’t have been fair but then something happened and I’m here to give my all at all times… I know what it means to wear this jersey and how many fans we have getting behind us and how strongly they feel about the team, but I just try to think as much as I can about what I have to do to ensure I’m in the zone and focused on what I have to do….”
Objective for the Season
Lazio have the league’s third-best defense. Provedel has kept 10 clean sheets. Yet the Biancocelesti have been inconsistent – slipping from 2nd to 5th over their last five outings. The primary goal for this go-getting group of players is to finish in the top four.
“We’re being well managed, but I feel on the inside that there’s something else we can give in terms of extra quality and motivation among all of us to achieve something special. We want to get as high as possible and aren’t setting any limits. The club finished fifth last season, so we’d certainly like to improve on that…”