The career of Gianluca Lapadula spans nearly two decades of Italian and international football, defined by a consistent role as a goal-scoring forward. Born in Turin in 1990 to an Italian father and a Peruvian mother, he has navigated a complex path through various leagues, eventually establishing himself as a significant presence for the Peruvian national team.
Formative Years and Early Journeys
Lapadula began his professional development at Juventus but was released in 2004. He subsequently moved through several clubs including Collegno Paradiso, Treviso, and Pro Vercelli. His progression continued through lower-tier Italian football, with stints at Ivrea and Parma, where he spent time with the Primavera squad before undertaking numerous loans. His early experience included a period in Slovenia with ND Gorica, where he helped the team secure the Slovenian Football Cup.
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After a successful tenure at Teramo, Lapadula joined Pescara in 2015. His performance during the 2015–16 season was pivotal, as he scored 30 goals in 43 appearances, earning the status of top scorer in Serie B. This form led to his 2016 transfer to AC Milan for a reported fee of €9 million. He later played for Genoa, Lecce, and Benevento, maintaining a steady output in Italy's top flight before transitioning to Cagliari in 2022.
International Recognition
Lapadula holds citizenship in both Italy and Peru. While he initially received a call-up to the Italian senior squad in 2016, he ultimately debuted for the Peruvian national team in 2020. He has since been a regular feature for Peru, participating in both the 2021 and 2024 editions of the Copa América, where his contributions helped the squad secure a fourth-place finish in 2021.
Recent Club Activity
Following a successful 2022–23 campaign with Cagliari, during which he was named Player of the Season in Serie B after scoring 21 league goals, Lapadula faced challenges due to a right-ankle injury. After recovering in late 2023, he continued his professional journey by joining Spezia on a free transfer in January 2025, marking another chapter in his extensive club career.
Fast facts
- Born: 7 February 1990, Turin
- Primary Position: Striker
- Citizenship: Italy, Peru
- 2015-16 Serie B Top Scorer
- 2022-23 Serie B Player of the Season
- International Debut: 2020 for Peru
- Former clubs include: AC Milan, Genoa, Benevento
Questions readers ask
Which national team does Gianluca Lapadula represent?
Although born in Italy and once called up to the Italian national team, he represents Peru internationally.
In which divisions has Lapadula primarily played?
He has made over 100 appearances across both Serie A and Serie B during his career in Italy.
