Gianluca Lapadula signs with Peru's Universitario de Deportes

Italian‑born striker Gianluca Lapadula, 36, has joined Peruvian giants Universitario de Deportes ahead of the 2024 Clausura campaign. The move follows his recent relegation with Spezia in Italy's Serie C and marks his first appearance in the Peruvian domestic league, although he has been a Peru national team regular since 2020, earning 42 caps and scoring ten goals.

Universitario confirmed the signing in July, with coach Héctor Cúper praising Lapadula as an experienced forward who will add leadership and goal‑scoring ability to the squad. The club plans to field him from the season opener on 17 July against Tarma, hoping his international pedigree will boost their title challenge.