# Luca Ercolani

Luca Ercolani (born 25 November 1999) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Serie C Group B club Pianese.

## Club career
### Manchester United

Having previously been a gymnast in his early years, Ercolani soon turned his attentions to football. He started his youth career with USD Classe, before moving to Ravenna until 2012. After a stint with Rimini, Ercolani moved to Forlì. He was later signed on loan by Cesena, though I Bianconeri would choose not to sign the player. In July 2016, having been scouted by David Williams a year prior, Ercolani completed a transfer to Premier League club Manchester United. He remained with the English club until the start of 2021, appearing at U18, U19, U21 and U23 level; notably featuring in the EFL Trophy and UEFA Youth League. Ercolani did train with the first-team squad on numerous occasions under both José Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
During the 2019–20 season, having spent time out with an injury, Ercolani - on the advice of some of the club's coaches - completed his UEFA B coaching qualification.

### Carpi

On 8 January 2021, having previously extended his Manchester United contract until June 2021 in May 2020, Ercolani returned to Italy with Serie C side Carpi; penning terms until June 2022. He made his senior debut on 20 January during an away match against Matelica, as he featured for the full duration of a 1–0 loss at Stadio Helvia Recina. Further appearances arrived that month versus Sambenedettese and Feralpisalò. Ercolani was sent off for the first time in senior football on 7 February against Imolese. Following the 2020–21 season, Carpi was excluded from the Italian leagues due to debts, making him a free agent.

### Catania

On 13 August 2021, he signed a contract with Catania for the term of one season with an optional second year.
On 9 April 2022, he was released together with all of his Catania teammates following the club's exclusion from Italian football due to its inability to overcome a number of financial issues.

### Fidelis Andria

On 28 July 2022, Ercolani joined Fidelis Andria.

### Alessandria

On 18 August 2023, he reached an agreement with Alessandria on the basis of a one-year contract with an option for a second year.

### Foggia

On 30 January 2024, Ercolani moved to Foggia.

### Pianese

On 11 January 2025, he joined Pianese.

## International career

Ercolani won five caps for Italy at under-20 level, having made his debut in October 2018.

## Style of play

Ercolani started out as a striker, though later switched to play as a centre-back after joining Forlì. He is also capable of playing at full-back.

## Career statistics

    As of 2 May 2021.
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition :
| Club | Season | League | League | League | Cup | Cup | League Cup | League Cup | Continental | Continental | Other | Other | Total | Total |
| Club | Season | Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| Manchester United U21 | 2020–21 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Carpi | 2020–21 | Serie C | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | — | 0 | 0 | 16 | 0 |
| Career total | Career total | Career total | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 0 | 17 | 0 |
* ↑ Appearance in the EFL Trophy