Gianluca Lapadula

At 35, Gianluca Lapadula might not be the archetypal young gun, but his performances for Spezia in Serie A this season reveal a player still brimming with intent and cunning. His style of play is marked by a relentless goal threat, consistently unsettling defences with his sharp movement and instinctive positioning. While his goal efficiency could be more clinical, his knack for creating chances suggests a forward who knows how to carve open defences. Lapadula's ball retention is particularly impressive, showing his ability to hold up play and bring teammates into the game. Interestingly, despite his age, he's not just a static target man; his progressive carrying shows a willingness to drive forward with purpose, defying the years with every surge. However, his progressive passing is an area for potential improvement, as he tends to rely more on direct runs than intricate playmaking. Overall, the scout report paints a picture of an experienced forward who, despite some limitations, remains a valuable asset for Spezia.