Latest news with #FIFA2026Qualifier
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2 days ago
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Report Spalletti is Al-Nassr main option to replace Pioli
La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that former Italy coach Luciano Spalletti has become the leading candidate to replace Stefano Pioli at Al-Nassr. Former Italy coach Spalletti is Al-Nassr's preferred option for the 2025-26 season, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. Al-Nassr prepare offer for Spalletti REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 9: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy embraces Andrea Cambiaso of Italy during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta' del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy. (Photo by) The Saudi side are in the process of releasing another Italian coach, Pioli, who has reached a verbal agreement with Fiorentina, as Football Italia reported earlier this week. FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 07: Head coach Italy Luciano Spalletti speaks with the media during Italy press conference at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on October 07, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by) According to Gazzetta, Al-Nassr are preparing a big-money offer for Spalletti. Advertisement It remains to be seen whether Spalletti would agree to move to Saudi Arabia, as some of his compatriots, including Simone Inzaghi, have already done. Spalletti's stats as Italy coach REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 09: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy looks on during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta' del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy. (Photo by) Spalletti won 12 of his 24 games in charge of the Azzurri, drawing six and losing as many. He was relieved of his duties last week after a 3-0 loss to Norway in the first match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. He still remained in charge for his final international match this past Monday, beating Moldova 2-0.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
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Italy coach: Possible key day for Gattuso after five Buffon calls
Italy coach: Possible key day for Gattuso after five Buffon calls Gennaro Gattuso spoke with Italy Delegation Chief Gianluigi Buffon five times on Tuesday, and today could be key to the appointment of the former midfielder as the new Azzurri head coach. Former Milan and Italy midfielder Gattuso, a 2006 World Cup winner with La Nazionale, is in line to replace Spalletti as Italy's head coach. Key date for Gattuso appointment as Italy coach Marseille head coach Gennaro Gattuso looks on during the warm up prior to the UEFA Europa League Group B first leg football match between Olympique de Marseille (OM) and Brighton and Hove Albion at the Stade Velodrome, in Marseille on October 5, 2023. (Photo by Nicolas TUCAT / AFP) (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images) Sportitalia editor Michele Criscitiello has reported that today could be a key day for the appointment of the former midfielder. Gattuso talks to Buffon over Italy role REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 09: (L-R) Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy and Gianluigi Buffon during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta' del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy. (Photo by) On Tuesday, Gattuso spoke with Italy Delegation Chief Gigi Buffon, one of his fellow Italy teammates from 2006, five times over the phone. Advertisement Gattuso, a former Hajduk Split coach, is currently not in Italy, but is enjoying a few days off in Marbella. His contract with the Italian national team would expire at the end of the 2026 World Cup. Spalletti took charge of his last Italy game on Monday, beating Moldova 2-0. However, the previous 3-0 loss away to Norway proved costly for the ex-Azzurri boss.
