At just 24 years old, Udinese striker Lorenzo Lucca is on the brink of a career-defining season. In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, the towering forward opened up about his journey, his growth as a player, and the significance of the current campaign in shaping his future.
A Non-Traditional Career Path
Lucca’s career trajectory has been anything but typical. Starting in Torino’s youth academy, he moved through Serie D, C, and B before a stint abroad with Ajax. In July 2023, he returned to Italy to join Udinese, a move he believes has brought much-needed stability.
“If I look at my matches from four years ago and compare them to today’s, I see a completely different player,” Lucca said. “Before, I would lose focus during games, disconnect mentally, and miss good chances. Now, I’m much more engaged from start to finish.”
Challenges and Opportunities at Udinese
Lucca acknowledged the unique challenges of playing for Udinese, a club where scoring opportunities are less frequent than at top-tier teams like Inter, Juventus, or Milan.
“At Udinese, I won’t get as many chances. There might only be one opportunity, and I need to make it count,” he explained.
Standing at 201 centimeters tall, Lucca has worked tirelessly to improve his aerial abilities, already scoring two headers this season.
“I work with a personal trainer daily, focusing on strength, mobility, and match situations. I also study videos of my teammates to understand where they place crosses in the box. Paying attention to details helps me improve every game.”
National Team Ambitions
Lucca faces stiff competition for a spot in Italy’s national team, with established strikers like Gianluca Scamacca and Mateo Retegui ahead of him. Despite this, he remains confident in his unique attributes.
“I don’t think I’m a rare gem, but I have a unique physique and strong aerial and technical abilities. I’m convinced I can achieve great things. Right now, others are ahead of me, but with time and hard work, I’ll catch up.”
Lucca also revealed a conversation with former Italian striker Luca Toni:
“He told me to get a move on because, in his opinion, I’m the ideal striker for Spalletti’s national team.”
Areas for Improvement
Lucca is determined to refine his game further.
“To become a consistent double-digit goalscorer, I need to improve my left foot and learn to use my body better, shielding the ball from defenders.”
A Season of Destiny
With seven goals already this season, Lucca is focused on reaching double figures for the first time in his career.
“This is a fundamental year for me. I’ve reached this level later than some, and that’s on me. No one believes in you more than yourself, and if you really want something, you’ll get it. I don’t regret my choices—it was destiny.”
Conclusion
Lorenzo Lucca is aware of the challenges ahead but remains steadfast in his belief that this season will define his career. With hard work, focus, and determination, the Udinese striker is poised to make his mark on Italian football and beyond.
