Gianluca Lapadula finds form in Peru and scores for national team

Gianluca Lapadula has experienced a career resurgence after moving from Italian football to Peru. Following the relegation of Spezia to Serie C, the striker joined Universitario de Deportes in Lima, where he has scored six goals in ten appearances, helping the club maintain a top position in Liga 1.

Lapadula’s club form has translated to the international stage. During a friendly match against the United States in Orlando, Lapadula scored a header to equalize the game at 1-1. The goal marked his first international scoring effort since March 2024. Despite his goal, the United States ultimately won the match 4-1 after scoring three goals in the final stages of the game. Peru is scheduled to play further friendlies against Mexico, Canada, and Colombia.