On Saturday, former Arsenal prodigy Arturo Lupoli reunited with Giuseppe Rossi, contributing a goal in Pepito’s farewell match at Stadio Franchi. Once considered one of Italy’s most promising strikers, Lupoli’s Arsenal career was limited to a single appearance against Blackburn in February 2006.

Despite being part of the squad that traveled to Paris for the 2006 Champions League Final against Barcelona, alongside legends like Thierry Henry, Lupoli’s career never reached the heights once anticipated. He spent most of his playing days in Italy’s Serie B.

Long-time friends Lupoli and Rossi, a former Manchester United forward, shared the pitch once more in this special event. Lupoli, introduced in the second half, scored for the Pepito Team, which ultimately secured a 7-5 victory.

The match featured football icons such as Gabriel Omar Batistuta and Mario Gomez, who also found the net. Former Italy goalkeeper Francesco Toldo impressed with a penalty save. Rossi himself scored twice, representing both teams during the evening.

Now 37, Lupoli hung up his boots in 2022, closing a career that, while not reaching its full potential, culminated in this touching reunion with his friend Rossi.