Gianluca Lapadula Joins Universitario de Deportes

Gianluca Lapadula, the accomplished Peruvian forward, is set to embark on a new chapter in his football career by joining Universitario de Deportes. At the age of 36, Lapadula leaves Italy behind to play in the Peruvian league for the first time, despite having donned the national team jersey 42 times since 2020, scoring 10 goals. This move comes after a year of speculation and interest from top Peruvian clubs, including Alianza Lima and Universitario.

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Lapadula's decision to return to Peru marks a significant moment in his career, as he aims to conclude his playing days in front of the fans who have cherished his performances for the national team, known as the Blanquirroja. His journey in football has seen him rise from Italy's lower divisions to the heights of Serie A, where he notably played for AC Milan, scoring eight goals in 27 appearances. This transfer to Universitario represents his second stint abroad, following a successful season in Slovenia with Gorica over a decade ago.

Under the guidance of coach Hector Cuper, Universitario de Deportes has made a concerted effort to secure Lapadula's signature, ensuring he joins the squad in time for the Clausura tournament. This addition to the team comes after Lapadula terminated his contract with Spezia, a move motivated by the lack of qualification for the upcoming World Cup. As Lapadula prepares to make his league debut, he aims to prove his enduring capability to thrill fans with goals and memorable performances.