Luciano Spalletti and the Azzurri, it's over. Two days after the surprising setback of Italy in Norway as part of qualifying at the 2026 World Cup (3-0), the Transalpine Football Federation decided to put an end to its collaboration with the 66-year-old strategist.
On the eve of the reception of Moldova on behalf of these same playoffs, the technician concerned himself announced the news this Sunday. Luciano Spalletti will then lead the Nazional for the last time. Successor of a Roberto Mancini who resigned in September 2023, the former coach of Roma, Inter or Napoli displays a mixed assessment at the controls of the Italian selection: 11 victories, 5 draws and 3 defeats. And a modest eighth finals reached Euro 2024.
“” We spoke yesterday with Gabriele Gravina (The president of the Italian Football Federation, editor's note) And he informed me that I will be up of my duties as coach of the national team after the match against Moldova. I did not intend to resign. I would have preferred to stay and do my job. But I have to take note of it. I have always interpreted this role as a service rendered to the country and I want to facilitate the future of the national team “, Dixit Luciano Spalletti, obviously affected today at a press conference.
Ranieri to take over the reins of Italy?
Absent from the last two World Cups, in 2018 and 2022, Italy cannot afford to miss a third consecutive time the largest event in the round ball. According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, Claudio Ranieri, from the age of 73, should resume the torch, he who has just abandoned the bench from AS Rome to Gian Piero Gasperini.
“” You have to win tomorrow to best open a new cycle with those who will arrive. I say it without hypocrisy or jealousy. With my results, I know that I have created problems for Italian football and I am particularly sorry. I knew it would be a difficult challenge. You have to end with a great victory. I'm going to talk to the boys and ask them to be courageous: we have to go to the World Cup, even if it will be complicated “Concludes Luciano Spalletti.
