Italy Disbands National Team Following Disappointing Performance in Norway
Speak Your Mind, Squadra Azzurra Faces Backlash
The Italian national team has been on the receiving end of harsh criticism following their less-than-impressive start in the World Cup qualifiers. The "Gazzetta dello Sport" didn't mince words, labeling their 3-0 defeat in Norway as the "night of the apocalyse," "twilight of the gods," and putting Luciano Spalletti, their coach, on trial for "the end of the world."
Fans were left reeling at the thought of missing out on a third consecutive World Cup, with the "Gazzetta" warning, "Italy humiliated, crushed, and destroyed. The danger is real." Further, a fellow paper, "Tuttosport," suggested Italy may already be "on the brink," just four years after they triumphed at the Euro. In the words of "Corriere della Sera", the Azzurri are "back against the wall."
Donnarumma Voice of the Disappointed
Italy's players didn't shy away from self-criticism following the loud boos from their disappointed spectators in Oslo. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, recently crowned champion with Paris Saint-Germain, remarked, "I can't explain what happened. Our fans don't deserve such games."
The players, he added, are "Italy, and it's not acceptable to play such games." Donnarumma and the team felt compelled to apologize to their supporters.
Spalletti Stays Put
As the call for Spalletti's resignation grew louder, the 66-year-old coach refused to budge. "I will always lead this group. There's still a lot to improve, but I'm moving forward with these guys and this project," he declared, ensuring the speculation about his departure would not dampen his resolve.
With doubts surrounding Spalletti, he and the squad will be presented with an opportunity to reclaim their reputation and their supporters' faith in the next qualifying game against Moldova on Pentecost Monday (8:45 PM/DAZN).
A Coach Change in the Air?
Disappointed observers propose hiring a foreign coach for Italy, drawing inspiration from neighboring countries like Spain and France, who have enjoyed success with domestic coaches. With Claudio Ranieri under consideration as a replacement, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is assessing their options carefully, as the choice will have a significant impact on the team's future direction.
In a tight qualifying race where Italy lags behind Norway by nine points, the stakes couldn't be higher. It remains to be seen whether the Azzurri can rise through the ashes of their troubled start and secure a ticket to the World Cup.
- Spalletti sacked as Italy manager after dismal defeat to Norway
- Italy off to worst Euro qualification start, fail to score in opener
- Beppe Marotta 'keen to bring back Claudio Ranieri to manage Italy' as out-of-favour Giorestto Vitiello says 'Italy are run by clowns'
- Gianluigi Donnarumma's apology to Italy fans after embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Norway
The Italian national team, currently struggling in the World Cup qualifiers, may face a change in leadership as Claudio Ranieri is being considered as a potential replacement for Luciano Spalletti.
This possibility arises in the context of the team's stumble in theEuropean leagues, with Italy currently lagging behind Norway by nine points in the qualifiers. This deficit has brought about a call for a foreign coach, referring to successful cases in neighboring countries such as Spain and France who have triumphed with domestic coaches.
