Luciano Spalletti’s tenure as Italy’s head coach has come to a painful and abrupt conclusion following a humiliating 3-0 loss to Norway in Oslo. Speaking through visible emotion, Spalletti confirmed that he was relieved of his duties after being informed by Gabriele Gravina, president of the Italian football federation (FIGC). Despite the announcement, Spalletti will oversee Italy’s next fixture against Moldova before formally parting ways with the national setup.
The defeat marked a dismal start to Italy’s World Cup qualification journey, plunging the reigning European champions into another period of uncertainty after recent struggles on the international stage.
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Spalletti’s Emotional Disclosure Amidst Tumultuous Exit
In a candid and emotional press conference, Spalletti disclosed the conversation with Gravina that sealed his fate. “Last night we were together with president Gravina. He told me that I will 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.”
Clearly emotional, the 66-year-old could not hide his anguish as he addressed the media, eventually walking out of the press room with tears in his eyes. When asked if he felt betrayed by the FIGC’s decision, Spalletti struggled to respond, overwhelmed by the gravity of the moment.
From Triumph at Napoli to Disappointment with Italy
Spalletti’s appointment as Italy’s coach came on the back of a historic achievement — leading Napoli to their first Scudetto in over three decades in 2023. Expectations were high, with many believing his tactical ingenuity could revive Italy’s fortunes after Roberto Mancini’s departure. However, his tenure never truly captured that early optimism.
Though Spalletti successfully steered the Azzurri to Euro 2024, their showing in Germany underwhelmed. After edging past Albania, Italy stumbled against Spain and needed a dramatic late equalizer versus Croatia to scrape into the knockout stages. A lackluster performance against Switzerland in the Round of 16 ended their campaign prematurely, triggering murmurs of dissatisfaction within the FIGC.
Nations League Highs Overshadowed by Recent Failures
Post-Euros, Italy seemingly regained momentum during their Nations League outings. Victories such as a memorable 3-1 away triumph against France restored some confidence. However, they ultimately finished behind Les Bleus on goal difference.
The fresh campaign this year brought more frustration. After a narrow 2-1 loss to Germany at San Siro, Italy suffered a harrowing first half in Dortmund, trailing 3-0 before rallying to draw — yet still missing out on a semi-final berth. The disastrous showing against Norway, with no fightback forthcoming, became the tipping point for the FIGC leadership.
“I was convinced I could get to the World Cup and I remain convinced this national team can get there,” Spalletti maintained. “I love this shirt, the players I have coached, and tomorrow night I will ask them to show everything they have.”
Gravina’s Displeasure: The Breaking Point
While Spalletti’s commitment was clear, Gravina’s frustrations boiled over following the Norway debacle. Speaking to the media on Sunday, he did not confirm Spalletti’s departure outright but made his disapproval known: “We know the result; in sports you can win, you can lose, but you also need to understand how to lose. Losing like that, personally, I do not accept it.”
With Italy’s qualification campaign already hanging by a thread and the trauma of missing two consecutive World Cups fresh in memory, Gravina and the FIGC hierarchy chose decisive action over continued faith.
Successor Speculations Intensify
Attention now turns to the question of who will inherit the Italian dugout. Prominent among rumored candidates is Stefano Pioli, currently coaching Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Pioli’s Serie A success with Milan in 2022 adds weight to his candidacy. Another name gaining traction is veteran tactician Claudio Ranieri, recently retired after guiding Roma but potentially willing to return for a final, prestigious challenge with Italy.
For Spalletti, the chapter closes with bitter disappointment, a sharp contrast to his fairytale domestic triumphs. As the curtain falls on his brief spell with the national team, Italy once again faces an uncertain road ahead on football’s grandest stages.
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FAQs
Why was Spalletti sacked as Italy’s coach?
Italy’s 3-0 loss to Norway in World Cup qualifying led to his dismissal, following poor showings at Euro 2024 and the Nations League.
Did Spalletti resign or was he removed?
Spalletti was removed by FIGC president Gabriele Gravina. He insisted, “I had no intention of giving up.”
Who might replace Spalletti?
Stefano Pioli and Claudio Ranieri are among the reported favorites to take over.
How did Italy perform under Spalletti?
They exited Euro 2024 in the last 16 and narrowly missed Nations League progression, despite some strong results.
Will Spalletti manage the Moldova game?
Yes, he confirmed he will lead the team against Moldova before finalizing his exit.
