Italy beat Moldova as Spalletti bids farewell
Italy claimed a 2-0 win over Moldova in Luciano Spalletti's final game as the men's national team coach.Spalletti said at a news conference on Sunday that Monday's World Cup qualifier would be his last match in charge.The 66-year-old had been told after Friday's 3-0 loss to Norway that he would be relieved of his duties and the Azzurri ensured he bowed out with a victory.Napoli forward Giacomo Raspadori and Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso scored either side of half-time in Reggio Emilia to give Italy their first points in the group.Spalletti was appointed in August 2023 and, although Italy went into Euro 2024 as reigning champions, they were knocked out by Switzerland in the last 16.Monday's game was Spalletti's 24th as Italy coach and brought his 12th victory, giving him a win ratio of exactly 50% - the lowest of any permanent boss since Cesare Prandelli, who led the team from 2010 to 2014."When you're the national team coach you have no excuses, it's you who selects the squad," Spalletti told public broadcaster Rai."It's the coach who has to make the difference and unfortunately I wasn't able to do that."Monday's game was played in a flat atmosphere and Spalletti, who coached Napoli, Inter Milan and Roma in Serie A, said tiredness was a factor behind Italy's uninspiring winning display."I maintained this group, but I found them really fatigued at this stage of the season," he added."Perhaps seeking someone in better physical shape might've helped, but the fact we have 25 players all a bit like this means the campaign really took it out on everyone."This will be a very different team in much better shape come September."Italy's next qualifiers are against Estonia and Israel on 5 and 8 September.
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