Gianluca Lapadula reborn in Peru: Goals, 200-mark, and international return
After a difficult season in Italy's Serie C, Gianluca Lapadula has revitalized his career in Peru, scoring consistently and earning a call-up to the national team.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Domenico Cucinella
Following a disastrous season that ended in relegation to Serie C with Spezia, 36-year-old Gianluca Lapadula appeared to be nearing the end of his lengthy career. After limited opportunities in Italy, he made a pivotal choice last summer to return to his mother's homeland, Peru.
Joining Universitario, Lapadula immediately found his rhythm under the guidance of Argentine manager Hector Cuper. He netted six goals in his first 10 league appearances and recently reached a significant personal milestone: 200 career goals. Cuper has praised the striker's clinical nature inside the box, even drawing comparisons to the peak form of Hernan Crespo.
"I live to score goals and having managed it wearing the U shirt is simply fantastic," said Lapadula.
Lapadula's resurgence has caught the attention of the Peru national team staff. Head coach Mano Menezes, who is focused on qualifying for the World Cup, has recalled the striker after an eighteen-month absence. While his age makes him an unlikely candidate for a long-term rebuild, his presence has provided a boost of energy to the squad.
Lapadula's connection with the Peruvian fans remains strong. Since opting to represent the country in 2020—having previously played a friendly for Italy—he has become a national icon. With 9 goals in 42 appearances, he continues to be a central figure for the Blanquirroja.