Gianluca Lapadula signs for Peru's Universitario de Deportes

Italian‑Peruvian striker Gianluca Lapadula ended his spell with Spezia to join Club Universitario de Deportes, one of Peru’s most successful teams. He said the move was a “choice of heart”, supported by his family and a personal connection to the club through former national‑team teammates.

Lapadula highlighted his familiarity with several Universitario players such as Andy Polo, Edison Flores and Aldo Corzo, and recalled a 2023 visit to the Monumental stadium where he received a club shirt. He will make his debut on 11 July in a friendly against Millonarios at the 80,000‑seat Monumental, and noted he will not wear the historic number 9 jersey out of respect for club legend Lolo Fernández.

The transfer is seen as a high‑profile addition for Universitario’s Clausura campaign, aiming to help the side chase a historic fourth consecutive title.