Italy`s manager Luciano Spalletti confirmed his impending dismissal by the Italian Football Federation (FA). This announcement came after the team`s 3-0 defeat against Norway in the opening match of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Spalletti revealed the federation`s decision during the press conference held before Monday`s game against Moldova, a match he was still scheduled to oversee despite knowing he would be relieved of his duties immediately afterwards.
“FA president Gabriele Gravina informed me that I will be relieved of my role as head coach of the national team after the match against Moldova,” he stated. “I`m sorry, I would have preferred to stay and try to change things. I have an excellent relationship with Gravina, but I accept the dismissal due to the negative results.”
Spalletti took charge of the Italian national team in August 2023, following the resignation of former head coach Roberto Mancini. He led the squad through a disappointing Euro 2024 tournament, where Italy were eliminated by Switzerland in the round of 16. Despite remaining in charge, the team`s performance did not improve, with Italy losing three of their last four matches, including the crucial 3-0 defeat against Norway in their first qualifying game for the 2026 World Cup.
Before concluding the press conference, when questioned about feeling betrayed, Spalletti responded, “Keep saying that I haven`t found a connection with the players, tell me with whom. Name names. Given what has happened lately, I think we need to work on the sense of belonging to this national team. Given my character, I think I`ve actually been too soft. If any player has told you something over the phone, I`d like to know.”
Who will replace Spalletti?
According to reports, two primary candidates are being considered to succeed Spalletti: former AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli and the highly respected Claudio Ranieri, renowned for winning the Premier League with Leicester City nearly a decade ago in one of modern football`s most astonishing achievements. Pioli, currently managing Al-Nassr, is reportedly expected to leave the Saudi club, with Fiorentina also showing interest after their coach Raffaele Palladino`s departure. Ranieri concluded his managerial career at AS Roma at the end of the 2024-25 season and now serves as a senior advisor to the club`s ownership, led by American businessman Dan Friedkin. These two individuals are currently understood to be the leading names considered by the FA as they hope to reverse the team`s fortunes and prevent Italy from missing a third consecutive World Cup, having failed to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.
Dominic Ashworth