Luca Lipani

Born in Genoa,^[2] Lipani joined the eponymous team's youth sector at the age of seven.^[3] Having come through the club's youth ranks, he started playing for the under-19 squad during the 2021–22 season.^[2][4]

Since the start of 2022–23 season, the midfielder started training with the first team, under head coach Alexander Blessin, before being regularly included in senior match-day squads by new manager Alberto Gilardino.^[2][4] In December 2022, he renewed his professional contract with Genoa, with the length remaining undisclosed.^[5]

On 25 February 2023, Lipani made his professional debut, coming on as a substitute for Milan Badelj at the 85th minute of a Serie B match against SPAL: in the same occasion, he served an assist for Eddie Salcedo, whose goal settled up the game's final score for a 3–0 win.^[4][6][7] At the end of the campaign, he was involved in a double promotion, as Genoa's first team returned to Serie A after just one year,^[8] while the Primavera squad gained automatic promotion back to the Campionato Primavera 1.^[8][9]

On 8 August 2023, Lipani joined fellow Serie A club Sassuolo on a permanent deal,^[10][11] for a reported fee of eight million euros, plus add-ons.^[3][12] On 2 November, he made his debut for the club, coming on for Uroš Račić in the first half of extra-time of a Coppa Italia match against Spezia,^[13][14] which ended in a 5–4 win on penalties.^[14] On 3 January 2024, he made his first start for the Neroverdi in a 3–1 cup defeat to Atalanta.^[13][15]

Lipani has represented Italy at various youth international levels, having played for the under-15,^[16] under-17,^[17][18] under-18, under-19^[19] and under-20 national teams.^[20] He also wore the captain armband for the under-17 national team.^[17][18]

In May 2022, he was included in the Italian squad that took part in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in Israel:^[21] during the tournament, he scored a goal,^[18] as the Azzurrini were eventually eliminated by the Netherlands (2–1) in the quarter-finals.^[18]

In December of the same year, he took part in a training camp with the staff of the Italian senior national team, under manager Roberto Mancini.^[2][22]

In May 2023, he was included by head coach Carmine Nunziata in the Italian squad that took part in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina,^[20] where the Azzurrini finished runners-up after losing to Uruguay in the final match.^[23][24]

In June of the same year, he was included in the Italian squad for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in Malta,^[25] where the Azzurrini eventually won their second continental title.^[26][27]

Lipani is a right-footed holding midfielder,^[2][4][6] who excels in winning the ball during the defensive phase, as well as creating chances for his team-mates, thanks to his technical skills.^[2][4] Despite mainly playing in a defensive role, he has also been regarded for his goal contributions, thanks to his shooting abilities.^[2][4]

He has cited Milan Badelj as a source of inspiration.^[2][6]

As of match played 21 March 2026^[28]