Gianluca Farina primarily competed in the quadruple sculls class, competing in the event at major championships between 1985 and 1993, and racing in the final with every participation. His first medal came at Seoul, when he teamed up with Agostino Abbagnale, Piero Poli and Davide Tizzano to win the gold medal. Although with different crews, Farina added more medals to his collection winning a silver at the 1989 and 1991 World Championships, and a bronze in 1990 and 1993. The Italians also came third at the 1992 Olympics, now rowing with Alessandro Corona, Rossano Galtarossa and Filippo Soffici. Apart from the quads, Gianluca Farina also raced in the double sculls, reaching the World Championships final in 1987, and coming 13th in 1995.