Gianluca Lapadula scores decisive late winner for Universitario de Deportes

Italian‑Peruvian striker Gianluca Lapadula netted his first goal for Universitario de Deportes in the Peruvian Liga 1 match against Cusco FC. After entering the game in the 75th minute, he combined with teammate Alex Valera and scored in the 93rd‑94th minute, giving Universitario a 2‑1 victory at Lima’s Estadio Monumental.

The win marked Universitario’s second consecutive triumph and kept their title hopes alive late in the 2026 season. Coach Héctor Cúper praised Lapadula’s impact, while the player noted the importance of the goal for his family and future contributions to both club and the Peru national team. Lapadula, born in Turin to an Italian father and Peruvian mother, previously played for clubs such as Pescara, Milan and Cagliari before joining the Peruvian side.