Lorenzo Lucca confirms that joining Nottingham Forest on loan from Napoli is the move that Lucca wanted most. The deal runs to the end of the season, and Forest hold a purchase option. Lucca describes
the Premier League as a long-held dream and arrives after scoring for both Udinese and Napoli.
In Lucca’s first comments as a Forest player, the striker underlined the importance of the step. "I'm very proud to wear this important, historic shirt and playing in the Premier League is an honour for me," Lucca said. "It's an honour that the club and the staff have given me this opportunity, and I hope to pay them back for their trust with lots of goals. "
The move to the City Ground followed a swift sequence of transfers involving three clubs. Lucca initially joined Napoli on loan from Udinese in July 2025 and scored two goals in 23 games in all competitions. The reigning Serie A champions made that deal permanent on Friday, then immediately loaned Lucca to Nottingham Forest.
Forest’s recruitment staff will have studied Lucca’s recent record in Italy before completing the deal. Prior to leaving Udinese, Lucca struck 23 goals in all competitions, including 14 during the 2024-25 campaign. At Napoli in 2025-26, Lucca played 16 Serie A matches, but started only four, and scored once in the league.
| Club | Season | Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Udinese | 2024-25 | All competitions | - | 14 |
| Udinese | Before 2025 move | All competitions | - | 23 |
| Napoli | 2025-26 | All competitions | 23 | 2 |
| Napoli | 2025-26 | Serie A | 16 | 1 |
Lucca stressed that the decision to join Nottingham Forest was strongly personal as well as professional. "I'm well aware of this club. I wanted to come, they wanted me a lot, so it was a choice from the heart because I really wanted to come here, and I want to give everything for the team, and most importantly, to be helpful for the whole group. "
The forward also explained how quickly Lucca accepted Forest’s proposal once the Premier League opportunity appeared. "As I said before, as soon as Nottingham Forest called me with the chance to play in the Premier League, it was my first choice because playing in the Premier League has been a dream of mine since I was a child. " "And again, I want to thank the club and all the staff for giving me this chance. "
Lucca has already visited the City Ground and viewed the surroundings of the new home stadium.
Checking out The City Ground. pic.twitter.com/0pZxURmoRsNottingham Forest (@NFFC) January 23, 2026
Although minutes were limited at Napoli, Lucca insists that personal motivation is high for this Premier League spell. "I'm a hungry player, willing to prove myself, score goals and help the team win as many games as possible," Lucca added. Forest now rely on that attitude, and Lucca’s scoring record at Udinese, to add extra threat in attack.
