Luciano Spalletti has been dismissed as Italy coach. The sensational news comes on the eve of the World Cup qualifying match against Moldova (Monday at 8:45 pm in Reggio Emilia), where he will still be on the bench to close the cycle. The 3-0 defeat the day before yesterday in Oslo against Norway was decisive . Among the successors, one of the most accredited is the former Cagliari coach Claudio Ranieri, together with Stefano Pioli and Fabio Cannavaro.
"We talked quite a bit with President Gravina last night," Spalletti began at the press conference. " He told me that I would be relieved of my duties as national team coach . I was sorry, but I had no intention of giving up. I, especially when things aren't going well, would have preferred to stay in my position and continue doing my job, because I'm used to everything I've been through. It's a dismissal and I have to take note of it." This morning, Gravina had complimented Spalletti and - from his statements - it didn't seem like the decision could be the FIGC's .
"It is my intention to facilitate the future of the National team, because when you defend your country you must not be jealous", Spalletti commented. " I will terminate my contract: until tomorrow evening I will be the coach, from the day after tomorrow I will no longer collect and that is right . I have always said that my players are strong and that is what I reiterated yesterday evening, given that the results under my management are these, I must assume my responsibilities. I have received all the support possible from the FIGC, I would have continued".
"I thought I could get to the World Cup," Spalletti was certain. "I'm still convinced of that and I said it last night, but it's not like my world collapses from a professional point of view when you lose matches. Now it's essential to go and play a match worthy of what we are, of the shirt we wear." And, in conclusion, Spalletti had a moment of emotion before leaving the press room.
Spalletti has received a lot of criticism after the embarrassing defeat against Norway in Oslo on Friday, a 3-0 win without replies in 42 minutes that has left the Azzurri already in great difficulty after failing to qualify for the World Cup in 2018 and 2022. Two years ago he took over from Roberto Mancini, with the team exiting in the round of 16 at the European Championships in June 2024. Ahead of tomorrow's match against Moldova, his record with Italy is 11 wins, 6 draws and as many defeats.