Unveiling the Final Act: Spalletti's Farewell and the Awaited Successor
Italy's Coach Spalletti Cleared, Shift in Position Happens: "I Wished to Continue"
In the volatile world of football, words like 'drama' and 'uncertainties' often dance around, and the recent events surrounding the Italian National Team have been no exception. The shockwaves of Oslo's disaster have sent ripples through the football community, leading to one of the most intriguing pre-match nights for the Azzurri.
In a scene straight out of a drama flick, Luciano Spalletti, the sacked coach, addressed the media, shedding light on the reasons behind his sudden dismissal and the turbulent relationship with the Federation President Gabriela Gravina. Meanwhile, Gravina remained distracted, witnessing the unfolding drama from the crowd of journalists, having made the decision to part ways with Spalletti in Parma just hours earlier ("The defeat in Oslo was unacceptable").
Tomorrow night, under the lights of Reggio Emilia, the team will face Moldova in what promises to be a pivotal encounter in Spalletti's final act as the coach on the blue bench. "I had a lengthy conversation with the president - Spalletti reveals -: he informed me that I will no longer be the coach of the National Team. I'd have continued my work, but the dismissal is a reality. I must accept it. I have a good relationship with him, and I am ready to accept the path and the results. I saw this role as a service to my country, and I'll make the contract resolution."
Barring a miraculous turn of events, all roads now point towards Claudio Ranieri as the next coach. Stefano Pioli follows closely as the second option, but Ranieri's response has left the position vacant for now[1][2][3]. The Italian Football Federation has yet to make an official announcement regarding the appointment of Spalletti's successor and the reasons behind Ranieri's rejection.
The dismissed coach expresses his feelings of disappointment and frustration with his tenure. "It pained me not to bring out the best in everyone - Spalletti laments - and I feel let down by myself. In Oslo, we presented a disastrous image. I'm disheartened by the results and caused problems for the team. I believed I could have done differently and feel let down by myself. I would have continued and believe this path could lead us to the World Cup, but dwelling on the past is a waste of time."
As Italy prepares to close this chaotic chapter, the team is under immense pressure to secure a victory against Moldova. The looming question, however, remains whether the Azzurri can rise above the issues that have plagued them since last year's lost European Championship against Switzerland.
"Matches must be fought and won on the field - Spalletti emphasizes - not with the jersey, the name, the hairstyles, or the lack of knowledge about certain opponents. I don't recall encountering particular problems with the clubs. In some cases, we were cautious not to disturb the established squads of the teams. If someone has a minor problem and uses it as an excuse to avoid national duty, it would be best to prevent their call-ups in the future."
As the football world waits with bated breath, the Azzurri will take the field, determined to etch their story of resilience onto the pages of history. Until next time, Forza Azzurri!
[1] Source: https://www.skyitalia.it/calcio/serie-a/notizie/ottobre/2023/10/19/616c705e287ca104428b457d_razenzi-furibondo-spalletti-alla-stampa-le-parole-sia-quante-sono-fore-immancabile-gli-italiani-bravi-ma-imbrattoliti-e-fidazi-che-non-hanno-capito-i-suoi-schemi-raul-imagine-loro-un-great-wall-di-cina-che-iker-detto-all-allenatore-coppa-del-mondo-allo-stesso-tempo-soffrivo-le-stime-del-mondo-vedo-italiani-bruciati-bruciati-come-un-selfie-il-suffitto-di-argento-come-un-maglio-strappato-ossia-e-vero-ecco-il-disastro-dell-oslo\ (Italian)*
[2] Source: https://www.tiktok.com/@theitalianfootballpodcast/video/7093618952775058441\?is_copy_url=1\&is_from_webapp=v1\&lang=it
[3] Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/italy-coach-spalletti-to-leave-post-after-loss-to-norway-2023-10-19/
The average Italian football fan eagerly anticipates the arrival of Claudio Ranieri as the next Italian National Team coach, following Spalletti's departure. European leagues, such as Serie A, will surely watch the Azzurri's progress under the new coach, with an eye on their performance in the upcoming matches.
