One day before facing New Zealand, Peruvian national team forward Gianluca Lapadula gave a press conference in which he stated that he is in optimal condition and highly motivated for this match and the World Cup Qatar 2022 playoff, which will be played on Monday, June 13.
When asked if the playoff match will be the most important moment of his life, Lapadula commented: "I don't think it will be the most important because in life you have to have big goals and I am sure we will have them in the future and we will experience them together. You always have to have ambition in life. How do I see myself on the 13th in Doha? Happy, hopefully we can fulfill our dream."
He also pointed out that the Peruvian national team is going through a great moment and highlighted the unity of the group to overcome all the matches they have played. "I get along very well with 'Cholito' Cueva and that good relationship also helps a lot to do things well on the field," he added.
Regarding tomorrow's opponent, the forward of Benevento Calcio stated that it will be "very useful" to arrive in the best possible way for the playoff on Monday, June 13. "If it is a responsibility to replace Guerrero? Paolo and Farfán are historic and no one can replace them. They are great players and they have helped me a lot," he continued.
Listen to Gianluca Lapadula's words here
Peru vs. New Zealand
The international friendly between Peru and New Zealand will take place on Sunday, June 5, starting at 10:30 am (Peruvian time) at the RCDE Stadium in the city of Barcelona. The broadcast will be handled by Movistar Deportes and Latina TV, but you can also follow the minute-by-minute and all the incidents on the La República Deportes website.