Italian football team removes coach Luciano Spalletti from position
Italian Football Federation (FIGC) Kicks Out Luciano Spalletti After Norway Debacle
Luciano Spalletti bit the dust as Italy's coach on Sunday, just two days following a dismal 3-0 loss to Norway that jeopardized their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup – a tournament they last graced in 2014.
During a press conference, Spalletti expressed his shock at being dismissed. He mentioned, "I was informed by the president last night that I'd be replaced as the national team coach. I had no intention of quitting. I wanted to stay on and do my job, especially when things aren't going so well."
With Monday's clash against Moldova being their next World Cup qualifier, it'll be Spalletti's swansong in charge of the team. A win is crucial to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive. "We have to win and impress to kickstart the new era of the national team in the best possible way for the new coach," he said.
Spalletti lamented his inability to bring out the best in the players and not being able to express his style of football during his tenure, which began in 2023. "It's been a disappointment for me," he admitted. "I'm disappointed with myself. And I acknowledge the compassion you journalists showed in assessing the Norway game."
After 23 games as coach, Spalletti's record stands at 11 wins, 6 draws, and 6 losses, with a participation in EURO 2024, where they bowed out in the round of 16 due to a dismal performance.
With less than a year to go before the World Cup, Italy's search for a new coach is on. Names like Stefano Pioli and even Claudio Ranieri, known for his miraculous rescue of Roma, are being tossed around. However, Ranieri has declined the offer and will stay with Roma, while Pioli is rumored to be joining Fiorentina instead.
Sources:1. La Gazzetta dello Sport2. Corriere dello Sport3. Football Italia4. Reuters5. AP News
Following his dismissal as Italy's coach, Luciano Spalletti will not manage Serie-A teams in the upcoming European-leagues, despite his successful tenure in domestic football. His replacement could potentially be Stefano Pioli, who is currently rumored to join Fiorentina, leaving the Italian National Team without a confirmed coach before the World Cup qualifiers begin.
