One To Watch - Arturo Lupoli

Ahead of tomorrow`s game at Carrow Road, Vital QPR new signing Nik has identified Arturo Lupoli as Norwich`s one to watch.

Born and bred in Brescia , Italy , Lupoli first started to make his name in the youth team at Parma . Whilst playing in the under-17s, the skilful forward bagged an incredible 45 goals in just 22 games. Lupoli`s contract expired in 2004, and Arsenal wasted no time in signing up the highly rated youngster, with the Gunners paying Parma £200,000 in compensation for the 5ft 8 forward.

Lupoli made his Arsenal debut in a Carling Cup game against Manchester City on the 27th October 2004, and went on to score his first two goals for the Gunners first team, with a brace against Everton at Highbury. While at the club, he continued to shine in the club`s reserves, scoring a hefty 27 goals in just 32 appearances in the 04-05 Season. The 05-06 Season was another success for Lupoli, as he continued to score regularly at youth/reserve team level. Lupoli featured regularly in the club`s Carling Cup campaign, and grabbed his third goal for the club, helping him to win the Carling Cup 'New talent award`.

Derby won the race to sign up Lupoli, when he signed on a season-long loan in August 2006. Lupoli made his Rams debut in the 0-0 draw against current club Norwich . The live-wire striker continued making a name for himself at Derby , scoring his first two goals for the club in a 4-3 defeat to Colchester . Lupoli has played against QPR before, starting the game at Loftus Road in October 2006, the striker played over an hour in a game that Derby won 2-1, despite Jimmy Smith scoring a cracker for the Superhoops. In a third round FA Cup tie against Wrexham, Lupoli scored a hat trick.

Clubs all over Europe were taking notice of the young Italian striker, and it was even rumoured that AC and Inter Milan were both interested in signing the young star, but it was eventually Fiorentina who signed Lupoli on a pre-contract deal on the 26th February 2007. Lupoli stayed at Derby until the end of the 06-07 season, making 34 appearances and scoring seven goals.

Lupoli became a Fiorentina player on the 1st July 2007, signing a five-year deal with the Serie A club. The Italian under-21 striker was subsequently loaned out to Serie B side Treviso , where he scored one goal in 17 games.

Lupoli`s latest club is Norwich City , bringing him a return to English football, and it is at the Canaries where he is continuing to blossom. Lupoli has scored three goals in his first four appearances for the club, including a four-minute brace away at Cardiff, helping Norwich come back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2, and getting the opener in Saturday`s 2-1 away win at Plymouth.

There is no doubt that Rangers` backline will have to be on top form on Wednesday night, in order to ensure that Norwich`s number 18 does not add to his ever-increasing tally of goals for the Norfolk club.

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