Lapadula Declines Move to Peru, Stays with Spezia for Serie A Push

Per reports from Líbero, Gianluca Lapadula, the Peruvian national team striker, has firmly decided to remain with Spezia Calcio for the 2025–26 season, pursuing a return to Italy’s top flight. At 35, he remains under contract until June 2026 and, as journalist Franz Tamayo revealed, a move to Peru is “ruled out for now”.

Lapadula had been linked to Universitario, not just as a squad addition, but as a statement signing supported by sponsors that could have made him one of the highest earners in Liga 1, as well as a key piece in the team’s upcoming Copa Libertadores challenge. Yet the striker turned down the offer, opting to continue his career in Europe.

His immediate aim lies with Spezia. After falling to Cremonese in the promotion playoff final, Lapadula is now fully motivated to lead the side back to Serie A. Despite a recent ankle injury that sidelined him during the early World Cup qualifiers, he has returned to Italy to regain full fitness and make an impact next season .

In short, what began as a potentially headline-making move to Peru will not happen—for now. Lapadula remains committed to Europe, driven by his contract, personal determination, and unfinished ambition. The result for Universitario: the search for a new attacking leader continues, and the question now is who will step up to fill the void and spark renewed hope for the club.