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L. Dellavalle Los Angeles FC Defender #15 Is Basically a Human Wall (and Other Reasons Opponents Cry)

If you follow Los Angeles FC, you’ve probably noticed Lorenzo Dellavalle anchoring the back line in that #15 jersey. Dellavalle, just 21 years old and hailing from Italy, joined LAFC after turning heads with Italy’s U-19 squad and earning a spot on the MLS roster.

At 6’2″, Dellavalle brings a strong physical presence and a calmness on the ball that LAFC’s defense really needed. That’s the kind of player who can tip the scales in those nail-biter matches.

He’s still young, but his career’s already drawing plenty of eyes. After all, he helped Italy win the 2023 UEFA U-19 Euro Championship. LAFC signed him through the 2026 season, so fans get to watch a defender who just might become a mainstay in the club’s back line.

Stats for L. Dellavalle (2025 Season):

CategoryAppearancesMinutes PlayedGoalsAssists
MLS Matches

We’ll be tracking his stats as his role with LAFC grows. You can check his full profile on Los Angeles FC.

L. Dellavalle at Los Angeles FC

Since arriving in 2023, Lorenzo Dellavalle has become a key part of LAFC’s defensive plans. He plays as an Italian centre-back, wearing #15, and his impact on the defensive structure keeps showing up in match-day rosters.

Squad Number and Position

Dellavalle lines up at centre-back, which is a big responsibility for any club—especially LAFC. He rocks the number 15 shirt, a number with a bit of history for dependable defenders in both Europe and the States.

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His main spot is right in the heart of the defense. You’ll rarely see him out wide; he’s almost always in the middle, where his tackling and game-reading shine.

At 21, he’s one of the youngest defenders on the squad. That Italian background? It’s obvious in his discipline and smart positioning.

He’s played for both LAFC and LAFC2, which helped him adjust to the pace and physicality of Major League Soccer. That kind of stability is huge, especially when the team switches formations.

Role in the Team

Dellavalle’s job is all about defensive reliability. As a centre-back, he’s tasked with stopping opposing forwards, cutting out passes, and backing up the goalkeeper.

He often pairs up with more experienced defenders, learning on the job every single match. His strengths? Tackling, one-on-one duels, and stepping into midfield when the pressure’s on.

Dellavalle isn’t a goal-scorer, but his defensive work is what keeps clean sheets. Coaches rely on him for steady performances, whether he starts or comes off the bench.

You’ll see him in the rotation for big games, giving LAFC’s coaching staff a solid option when the heat is on.

Notable Matches and Appearances

In 2023, Dellavalle made his MLS debut for LAFC after working his way through LAFC2. He’s handled himself well against some of the league’s top attacking teams.

Even with limited starts, he’s made an impact in games where LAFC needed extra defensive steel. During preseason, he suffered a right ACL tear, which kept him out for a chunk of the season—see the injury update for details.

When healthy, he’s featured in MLS and cup matches, earning praise for his work ethic and defensive positioning.

Basic Stats Table (2023-2025)

SeasonClubAppearancesGoalsCards
2023LAFC22203
2024LAFC702
2025LAFC401

He hasn’t scored yet, but his defensive contributions are crucial. He’s working his way back from injury, aiming for more minutes and a bigger role.

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Early Life and Youth Career

Lorenzo Dellavalle’s football story started in a small Italian town and quickly moved to bigger stages. He built his core skills in Carmagnola before sharpening his defensive game at Juventus.

Background in Carmagnola, Italy

Dellavalle was born on April 4, 2004, in Carmagnola, Italy. It’s a tight-knit place in the Piedmont region, where football is a big deal at the grassroots level.

Those early years shaped his disciplined style. Family and local coaches played big roles, pushing him to embrace the mental side of the game.

He learned resilience and responsibility on those local fields. Playing competitive matches in Carmagnola gave him a head start on tactical awareness and teamwork.

BirthdateHometownEarly Club(s)
4 Apr 2004CarmagnolaLocal Carmagnola teams

Development at Juventus Academy

Joining the Juventus Academy was a huge step for Dellavalle. Juventus is famous for technical skill, tactical discipline, and building character.

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He made 55 appearances across the U-17 and U-19 squads, picking up a goal and an assist. Training at Juventus let him fine-tune his positioning and anticipation.

Facing top Italian prospects week in and week out, he developed maturity early. Juventus demanded commitment and excellence, and Dellavalle bought in.

The academy helped him build the habits needed for a pro career. For more on his rise, check out his profile and career stats.

Professional Journey and Transfers

Lorenzo Dellavalle’s journey into American soccer started in developmental leagues before he broke into the main MLS roster. His path shows how much scouting and international development matter in MLS now.

Signing with LAFC2 and Transition to MLS

Dellavalle first arrived at LAFC2, the MLS Next Pro squad for LAFC. This team focuses on young talent, and Dellavalle used it to sharpen his skills.

He adapted to the American game’s style and speed there. His reliability at center-back and smart reading of play caught the senior team’s attention.

In 2024, LAFC promoted him from LAFC2 to the first team roster. That move showed both his growth and the club’s faith in their own pipeline.

He earned his spot with consistent play for LAFC2 and as a youth international for Italy.

Performance Snapshot

TeamSeasonAppearancesMinutes PlayedGoals
LAFC22023241,9501
LAFC202474200

Transfer Tracker and Contracts

Tracking Dellavalle’s moves shows a steady climb up the soccer ladder. The big jump came when he moved from LAFC2 to LAFC’s first team for 2024, after getting his P1 Visa.

His contract runs through the 2026 MLS season, with a club option for 2027. LAFC clearly wants to build their back line around him for the long haul.

Working with CSM Sport and Entertainment helped guide his move and negotiations. The LAFC2-to-MLS pathway has been huge for his development.

His progress sets an example for other young players making the jump. These days, tracking player moves and contracts is just part of following MLS careers.

International Experience with Italy

Lorenzo Dellavalle’s time as an Italian youth international has included major tournament wins and standout performances. As a core player for Italy’s U19 team, he’s built a reputation that scouts and coaches are watching closely.

Italy U19 and Tournament Success

Dellavalle’s international experience really shines with Italy U19. He started every match at the 2023 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, playing every minute.

He helped Italy reach the final and, in the decider against Portugal, played the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 win. That victory crowned Italy as champions, and Dellavalle’s defensive skills drew praise from analysts all summer.

Here’s a quick look at his U19 tournament stats:

TournamentMatches PlayedMinutes PlayedTitles Won
UEFA U19 Euro 20235450Winner

Youth International Highlights

Dellavalle’s climb through Italy’s youth national teams has turned heads in Europe. He’s taken part in training camps and qualifiers, getting regular international experience.

He’s handled high-pressure situations, often marking the best youth attackers in friendlies and qualifiers. His success with the U19s and experience in Italy’s youth system shaped his tactical awareness.

Dellavalle’s role in Italy’s U19 European title run keeps boosting his reputation as a top young defender. You can check out more about his background and performances with the Italy U19 team.

Injury History and Recovery

Lorenzo Dellavalle hit a tough patch with a knee injury, which slowed his development and kept him off the field for LAFC. His recovery has included surgery, rehab, and regular updates from LAFC’s medical staff.

ACL Injury and Recovery Updates

Early in 2024, Dellavalle went down with a rough right knee injury—yeah, it was an ACL tear. The scans didn’t leave much doubt, and he had to get ACL reconstruction surgery right after.

Los Angeles FC put out statements confirming the bad news and laid out a recovery plan. They expected Dellavalle to be sidelined for quite a while, probably most of the next year.

Dellavalle’s rehabilitation program zeroed in on building strength, getting his full range of motion back, and hopefully avoiding another setback. He started with solo training sessions, and then, bit by bit, eased into lighter work with his teammates.

They’re aiming for a summer 2025 return, but that’ll depend on how the checkups go. It’s still a long road.

You can keep tabs on his official status and club updates here. If you want the original injury report, it’s here.

InjuryDateProcedureStatus
ACL Tear (Right Knee)Feb 2024Reconstruction SurgeryOut, Return Est. Summer 2025

Impact on Playing Time

Dellavalle’s injury knocked him out of the lineup for both MLS and international games. With no clear backup for his spot, LAFC had to shuffle things around defensively.

The medical staff listed him as ‘Out’ for a bunch of key matches, so there’s really no sign he’ll be back soon. Before all this, Dellavalle looked set for more minutes and maybe even a starting role.

Now, with his return pushed out to June 2025, his career momentum has taken a real hit. Fans are just waiting to see him back in action. For the latest updates, check his player profile on Rotowire.

LAFC keeps mixing up the backline, but Dellavalle’s long absence is still one of the big stories for the club this year.

Playing Style and Strengths

Lorenzo Dellavalle brings a real presence to LAFC’s defense. He’s got the modern Italian center back vibe—good on the ball, smart positioning, and a strong right foot.

Central Defender Abilities

You can spot Dellavalle’s calm and discipline right away. At 189 cm, he uses his size to win headers and battle strikers in the air.

He stays cool under pressure and rarely finds himself out of position. His tackling style is straightforward and clean.

Dellavalle doesn’t give up many fouls and usually picks his moments well. You’ll see him reading the play better every season, especially when the stakes are high.

He keeps the defensive line organized and his teammates sharp. His time in European football shows—he communicates clearly and leads by example, bringing much-needed stability to LAFC’s back four.

StatValue
Height189 cm
Primary PositionCentre-back
Appearances (2025)Number varies (see LAFC profile)
Cards (2025)Track season updates on Flashscore

Right Footed Attributes

Dellavalle’s right foot is his bread and butter. He delivers sharp passes, short or long, and often starts attacks from deep.

When you watch him, his passing range stands out—he can switch play or break lines with just one touch. That skill helps LAFC keep the ball and flip to offense quickly.

He’s not shy about stepping up into midfield to cut out passes. After intercepting, he usually keeps his cool and finds a safe outlet. Even when opponents press hard, Dellavalle rarely coughs up possession.

That kind of reliability matters, especially when LAFC needs to close out a tough match. In one-on-ones, his right foot lets him make strong tackles or push attackers wide.

He recovers well and uses his preferred foot to keep tight control, making him a tough matchup for quick wingers or tricky forwards. His timing and footwork keep him effective, whether he’s stopping a counter or building from the back.

Noteworthy Opponents and Teammates

Every season, Dellavalle lines up against some of MLS’s fiercest rivals. He’s built chemistry with a handful of LAFC defenders and young talents, which shapes how he plays.

Key Matches Against MLS Teams

When LAFC goes up against the Portland Timbers, LA Galaxy, Minnesota United, or Houston Dynamo, Dellavalle often finds himself marking top-tier attackers. These matchups test his speed, positioning, and nerves.

He’s had to adjust to the bruising style of strikers from the Timbers and LA Galaxy, always trying to keep his cool. You might remember him standing tall against LA Galaxy’s quick counters.

Facing Houston Dynamo, he usually battles strong midfield pushers. Against Minnesota United, he’s shown off his timing with key tackles, especially in crunch time.

Here’s a quick look at Dellavalle’s defensive stats from some recent big games:

OpponentTacklesClearancesBlocksFouls
LA Galaxy4721
Portland Timbers3512
Minnesota United5630
Houston Dynamo2412

Those numbers show how steady he can be, no matter who’s lining up on the other side.

Teammate Connections Within LAFC

Alright, let’s talk about the LAFC backline. Dellavalle really clicks with guys like Maxime Chanot and Aaron Long, and that’s the backbone of this defense.

Chanot brings leadership and a steadying presence. You just feel that structure when he’s out there.

Meanwhile, Long’s athleticism? It’s the perfect match for Dellavalle’s sharp positioning and quick decisions.

Watch Dellavalle on the field—he’s always talking, always moving. He covers when Long surges upfield, or shifts as Chanot calls out adjustments.

That’s how LAFC keeps its shape, even when opponents crank up the pressure.

In training, Dellavalle leans on their trust and experience. He’ll often step right in between Long and Chanot, breaking up plays or firing off a clearance to spark a counter.

Honestly, those connections matter. They’re shaping Dellavalle into a reliable defender for LAFC.

Want to dive deeper? Check out Dellavalle’s club profile and keep an eye on his journey.

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