Lorenzo Lucca: Napoli’s Towering Striker Facing an Uncertain Future
NAPLES, 22 January 2026 – Lorenzo Lucca’s move to Napoli was meant to be the crowning moment of his rapid ascent. The towering Italian striker completed a €35 million switch in the summer of 2025, but six months on, his future at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium is already in doubt. With limited impact in Antonio Conte’s side, the January transfer window has brought renewed speculation that the Partenopei could be willing to cut their losses on the 25-year-old.
The €35 Million Gamble
Napoli secured the signature of Lorenzo Lucca on 18 July 2025, beating off reported competition from several Serie A rivals. The deal was structured as an initial loan from Udinese worth €9 million, with a mandatory purchase obligation set at €26 million, bringing the total fee to €35 million. The move came on the back of a breakout 2024/25 campaign with Udinese, where the 201cm forward netted 12 goals in 33 Serie A appearances, earning him a regular place in Luciano Spalletti’s Italy squad.
Seen as a long-term understudy and potential partner for Romelu Lukaku, Lucca was handed the number 27 shirt. He scored his first goal for the club in a 3-2 win over his former side Pisa on 22 September 2025. However, opportunities have been scarce. With Lukaku returning from injury and the form of other attacking options, Lucca has found himself predominantly used as a substitute.
Season Statistics: A Struggle for Minutes
The 2025/26 campaign has thus far failed to ignite for Lucca. His limited playing time is reflected in his output for Napoli up to January 2026.
| Competition | 2025/26 Stats (to Jan 2026) |
|---|---|
| Serie A | 13 apps, 1 goal, 385 minutes |
| Coppa Italia | 1 app, 1 goal, 68 minutes |
| UEFA Champions League | 4 apps, 0 goals, 107 minutes |
| Total | 18 apps, 2 goals, 560 minutes |
The January 2026 Crossroads
Multiple Italian reports in January 2026 suggest Napoli’s hierarchy is considering the striker’s future. With the club needing to balance the books and potentially fund new signings, Lucca has been mentioned as a possible departure. Sporting director Giovanni Manna has been quoted as saying the club must “be attentive to every possible opportunity,” acknowledging that all possibilities are being considered.
Napoli’s reported asking price for a permanent transfer is between €30 million and €35 million, as they look to recoup most of their initial investment. Loan offers with an obligation to buy have also been mooted, with clubs like Benfica and a return to Pisa mentioned in the rumour mill. A key complication is that Napoli must still complete the €26 million payment to Udinese to make the transfer permanent, which affects the structure of any potential sale.
Career Journey: From Serie D to the Azzurri
Lucca’s path has been unorthodox. After early spells at Torino’s academy and Vicenza, he made his name at Palermo in Serie C, scoring 13 goals in the 2020/21 season. A move to Pisa in Serie B followed, before a high-profile loan to Ajax in 2022-23. His return to Italy with Udinese proved to be his breakthrough; 20 Serie A goals across two seasons catapulted him into the national team setup.
He earned his senior Italy debut on 14 October 2024 in a UEFA Nations League victory over Israel, coming on as a substitute at the Stadio Friuli in Udine. He has since earned five caps for the Azzurri.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Napoli pay for Lorenzo Lucca?
Napoli paid an initial €9 million loan fee to Udinese in July 2025, with an obligation to buy for a further €26 million. The total guaranteed cost of the transfer is €35 million.
Why is his future at Napoli in doubt?
Since joining, Lucca has struggled to secure a regular starting spot behind Romelu Lukaku and other attacking options. With limited minutes and just one Serie A goal by January 2026, reports suggest Napoli may be open to moving him on to raise funds and balance the squad.
When did Lorenzo Lucca make his Italy debut?
Lucca made his senior debut for the Italian national team on 14 October 2024, appearing as a late substitute in a 4-1 UEFA Nations League win against Israel.
What is Lorenzo Lucca’s playing style?
Standing at 201cm (6ft 7in), Lucca is a classic target man, strong in aerial duels and with a powerful shot. He is effective with his back to goal and has developed a keen instinct for being in the right place inside the penalty area.