Franco Lepore has moved to Dubai to join Al Ittifaq. His agent, Andrea Fulco, described it as a new and exciting challenge and the culmination of an important career. The opportunity emerged through a contact in Dubai, and the deal was finalized recently. Lepore had real interest from Italian clubs Vicenza and Renate, but the chance to help Al Ittifaq in their ambition to win the championship was decisive in his decision to join the club.