Uganda Cranes defender Elio Capradossi seals move to Romanian side

Ugandan international Elio Capradossi has officially completed a move to Romanian Liga I outfit FC Universitatea Cluj, marking a new chapter in his football journey.

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The experienced centre-back joins the Romanian top-tier side as a free agent following the end of his stint with Serie B side AS Cittadella in Italy.

At 29, Capradossi brings a wealth of experience from European football and is expected to bolster Cluj’s defensive line ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Born in Uganda but raised in Italy, Capradossi began his football journey in the esteemed AS Roma academy.

He broke into the club’s U-19 setup during the 2012/13 season and quickly established himself as a key figure. His leadership and consistency culminated in a Primavera championship title in the 2015/16 season, where he captained the side to victory over Juventus in the final.

Capradossi’s impressive development at club level earned him recognition on the international stage with Italy’s youth teams. From 2011 onwards, he represented Italy across all junior levels U-16 to U-21 amassing a total of over 50 appearances. He made notable contributions at the U-17 level with 21 caps under coach Daniele Zoratto.

Despite his early allegiance to Italy, Capradossi made the switch to represent his country of birth, Uganda, at senior level. Since committing to the Cranes, he has earned seven caps, with his latest appearance coming in a friendly against Cameroon in June 2025.

Universitatea Cluj becomes the latest stop in Capradossi’s career, and the club will be counting on his blend of international pedigree, tactical awareness and leadership as they push for success in the Romanian league.