In a dramatic and emotional news conference on Sunday, Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti announced that he would be leaving his role following the team’s 3-0 defeat to Norway in their opening World Cup 2026 qualifier.
The 66-year-old revealed that Italian Football Federation president Gabriele Gravina informed him of his dismissal after the disappointing result in Oslo. Despite the news, Spalletti confirmed he would still take charge of Monday’s qualifier against Moldova before officially stepping down.
“Last night we were very together with president Gravina,” Spalletti told reporters. “He told me that I will be relieved of my position as coach of the national team. I had no intention of giving up. I would have preferred to stay in my place and continue doing my job.”
The announcement came as a shock, not just for its content but for the raw, unfiltered manner in which Spalletti delivered it. Sitting at a desk with evident frustration, the former Napoli and Inter Milan boss expressed both sorrow and defiance. The press conference ended abruptly as Spalletti stormed out, clearly emotional about the decision.
Spalletti took over as Italy manager in 2023 after guiding Napoli to a historic Serie A title. Hailed at the time as a modernizer and a motivator, he was tasked with reinvigorating a national side that failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. However, his tenure has been marked by inconsistency.
Italy exited Euro 2024 in the last 16 after a dismal 2-0 defeat to Switzerland, and Friday’s loss to Norway added further pressure. Three first-half goals from the Norwegians left the Azzurri reeling, with defensive lapses and a lack of cohesion exposing deep-rooted issues within the squad.
Spalletti’s overall record as national team coach now stands at 23 games, with 11 wins, five draws, and seven defeats — a record many felt was not befitting of a side with Italy’s footballing pedigree.
“I love this shirt, this job, and the players I’ve coached,” Spalletti added. “These are the results under my management, and I have to take responsibility. Tomorrow night I’ll ask the players to demonstrate what I’ve been asking of them, even if I haven’t managed to get them to show their best.”
Italy’s World Cup qualifying campaign now faces a period of uncertainty. They sit in Group I alongside Norway, Moldova, Estonia, and Israel. The loss to Norway has already put them on the back foot, and without a clear successor in place, the leadership vacuum could prove damaging in the crucial months ahead.
Gravina, who has not yet publicly commented on the dismissal, is expected to name an interim replacement following the Moldova game. Early speculation suggests that Roberto De Zerbi, currently at Brighton, or former Italy manager Roberto Mancini could be among those considered for the role.
Italian media and fans alike have responded with mixed emotions. While some believe Spalletti’s exit was inevitable following poor tournament performances and a lack of attacking fluency, others see it as a premature decision that ignores his potential to build a long-term project.
One thing is certain: the mood in the Italian camp is fragile. Spalletti’s final match against Moldova will not only mark the end of his tenure but could also serve as a critical juncture in Italy’s path toward rebuilding both identity and results on the international stage.
With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers just beginning, the Azzurri must act swiftly to stabilize and find a new direction — one capable of honoring their rich footballing history while embracing the challenges of a new era.
