17 hours ago
Spalletti confirms Moldova match will be his last as Italy coach
Disappointment over dismissal
The coach expressed his disappointment, saying, 'I'm not happy about this: given our relationship, I had no intention of leaving at all. Especially when things weren't going well, I preferred to stay and do my job.' He added, 'But this is a dismissal, and I have to accept it. I have always considered this role a service to the homeland, and I want to contribute to the future of the national team. I believe it is right to strive for the best.'
Coaching
record and challenges
Spalletti, 66, took over from Roberto Mancini in August 2023 after Mancini's departure to coach Saudi Arabia. Under his leadership, Italy played 23 matches, recording 11 wins, 6 draws, and 6 losses. He successfully led Italy to qualify for Euro 2024, but the team exited in the round of 16 after a 2-0 loss to Switzerland.
Despite staying in the role post-Euro 2024, Spalletti faced increased pressure after Italy's exit in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals and a disastrous 3-0 defeat to Norway in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. That result now threatens to push Italy into a playoff route rather than direct qualification.
Surprising
turn after federation support
The dismissal surprised many Italian fans, especially as FIGC president Gabriele Gravina had earlier voiced support for Spalletti, stating, 'We can lose to Norway, but not like this. It's unacceptable... We must face difficult times with our heads held high and recover immediately.'
Potential
successors
Names already circulating as possible successors include Claudio Ranieri, who led Roma to a fifth-place Serie A finish, and Stefano Pioli, the former AC Milan manager currently with Saudi club Al-Nassr.
