Luciano Spalletti has officially been relieved of his duties as Italy’s national team coach, coming just two days after a disappointing 3-0 loss to Norway that marked a bleak start to their World Cup qualifying campaign. Spalletti announced the decision himself during a news conference ahead of Italy’s upcoming match against Moldova, indicating that he would still manage the team for that fixture despite his sacking.
Following a recent meeting with Italian Football Federation president Gabriele Gravina, Spalletti acknowledged the decision but expressed his desire to continue in the role. “I had no intention of giving up. I would have preferred to stay in my place and continue doing my job,” he stated.
Spalletti’s tenure lasted less than two years, having taken over from Roberto Mancini in September 2023. While he managed to guide Italy to Euro 2024, their performance in the tournament fell short of expectations. After defending their title, Italy was eliminated in the round of 16 following losses to Spain and a draw with Croatia, culminating in a defeat to Switzerland.
The recent performances left Italy struggling for automatic qualification for the upcoming World Cup, especially after the failure to qualify for the last two finals. Spalletti’s side previously showed promise in the Nations League, with notable victories against France, but setbacks against Germany and Norway raised concerns amongst the federation.
During his announcement, Spalletti remained optimistic, declaring, “I was convinced I could get to the World Cup, and I remain convinced this national team can get there.” His emotional farewell to the media hinted at the personal toll of the situation, as he left the room visibly upset.
Looking ahead, potential candidates to succeed Spalletti include Stefano Pioli, currently managing Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia and a former Serie A champion with AC Milan, as well as Claudio Ranieri, who has had a storied career but recently retired.
The Italian football community remains hopeful that a new leader can reinvigorate the national team and restore its esteemed reputation on the world stage.