Italy sack coach Luciano Spalletti after Norway defeat

Italy sack coach Luciano Spalletti after Norway defeat

Luciano Spalletti has been sacked from his role as Italy’s coach, with the manager announcing the decision himself Sunday in the wake of their heavy loss to Norway, but he will still take charge of Monday’s game against Moldova.

Spalletti was speaking at a news conference ahead of the Moldova match, which comes after Norway stunned Italy on Friday with a 3-0 win, handing the visitors a humiliating start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.

“Last night, we were together with [Italian football federation] president [Gabriele] Gravina. He told me that I will be relieved of my position as coach of the national team,” Spalletti said.

“I had no intention of giving up. I would have preferred to stay in my place and continue doing my job. I’ll be there [on Monday] against Moldova, then we’ll resolve the contract.”

Spalletti was dismissed after less than two years in the role, having replaced Roberto Mancini and taking charge in September 2023. Though Spalletti took Italy to Euro 2024, their disappointing performance there had already put him under pressure.

Italy went into the Euros last year in Germany as defending champions, but after winning their opening game against Albania, lost to Spain and snatched a late draw with Croatia to make the round of 16 and were beaten 2-0 by Switzerland.

Spalletti’s side seemed to have recovered as Italy put in an impressive Nations League campaign, beating France 3-1 away and losing just once. Italy lost at home to Les Bleus in the final group game to finish behind France on goal difference.

Italy’s poor form 

Italy began this year with a 2-1 loss at the San Siro in their Nations League quarterfinal first leg with Germany and found themselves 3-0 down at halftime in the return game in Dortmund.

Spalletti’s side came back to salvage a draw but missed out on a semifinal place. After falling behind 3-0 at the break against Norway, this time Italy had no reply.

The loss left Spalletti’s side already facing an uphill battle to secure automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup, and after Italy missed out on the past two finals, the Italian football federation (FIGC) decided to act.

“I was convinced I could get to the World Cup, and I remain convinced this national team can get there,” Spalletti added.

“I love this shirt, the players I have coached, and tomorrow night I will ask them to show everything they have.”

Spalletti was asked if he felt betrayed, but the manager could hardly get any more words out, and with tears in his eyes he left the media room.

Gravina had spoken earlier Sunday, and while the FIGC president did not mention Spalletti’s future, he discussed the result against Norway.

“We know the result; in sports you can win, you can lose, but you also need to understand how to lose,” Gravina said.

“Losing like that, personally, I do not accept it.”

The 66-year-old Spalletti, who previously managed Roma, Zenit St Petersburg and Inter Milan, came into the Azzurri job on the back of leading Napoli to the Scudetto in 2023, but was unable to bring that success to the national side.

Italian media reports suggest Stefano Pioli, boss of Saudi club Al Nassr and a Serie A title winner with AC Milan, is one of the favorites to replace Spalletti, with Claudio Ranieri’s name also mentioned.

Ranieri recently retired for a second time after his spell at Roma last season, but the 73-year-old could be tempted to return once more if offered his dream job with Italy.