Italy sack head coach Luciano Spalletti
Spalletti’s Italy suffered a a humiliating 0-3 defeat to Norway in the World Cup qualifier last week.
Spalletti’s Italy suffered a a humiliating 0-3 defeat to Norway in the World Cup qualifier last week.
Spalletti’s Italy suffered a a humiliating 0-3 defeat to Norway in the World Cup qualifier last week.
Italy have sacked head coach Luciano Spalletti following their humiliating 0-3 defeat to Norway in the World Cup qualifier last week.
Spalletti told journalists that Tuesday's match against Moldova would be the last. "Last night, we were together with (Italian football federation) president (Gabriele) Gravina. He told me that I would be relieved of my position as coach of the national team," Spalletti said.
"I had no intention of giving up. I would have preferred to stay in my place and continue doing my job. I'll be there tomorrow evening against Moldova, then we'll resolve the contract."
Spalletti's sacking is unsurprising since Italy had a poor Euro 2024 and could miss out on next year's World Cup. Italy failed to qualify for the World Cups in 2018 and 2022, and being absent from the biggest stage for a third edition in a row will be humiliating to the Azzurri.
Spalletti was appointed in September 2023, replacing Roberto Mancini. "I was convinced I could get to the World Cup, and I remain convinced this national team can get there," Spalletti said.
"I love this shirt, the players I have coached, and tomorrow night, I will ask them to show everything they have," said the 66-year-old.