Luciano Spalletti has confirmed he will leave his role as Italy’s head coach after their shocking 3-0 defeat to Norway in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on Friday.
The result, delivered in Oslo, saw the Azzurri concede all three goals in a dismal first half, raising serious questions about their direction under the veteran tactician.
Although Spalletti revealed he had no intention of resigning, he announced during a tense news conference on Sunday that Italian Football Federation president Gabriele Gravina had already informed him of his imminent dismissal.
Despite the decision, the 66-year-old will still take charge of Italy’s upcoming fixture against Moldova on Monday, which now becomes his farewell match.
“I’ll be there tomorrow evening,” he said, speaking solemnly. “I would have preferred to continue, but the president made his call.
“These results are mine to own, and I accept that.” This blunt admission came moments before he abruptly walked out of the press room, signalling frustration.
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Spalletti’s time with Italy national team underwhelming
Since taking over in 2023, Spalletti has managed 23 matches, winning only 11. While he did guide Italy through Euro 2024, the team exited early with a last-16 loss to Switzerland.
The pressure intensified when Italy opened their World Cup qualifying journey with a heavy loss to a Norwegian side led by Erling Haaland.
Moreover, Italy now find themselves in Group I with Norway, Moldova, Estonia, and Israel. The defeat to Norway has already put them on the back foot. Meanwhile, Monday’s game could define how Spalletti is remembered in his short national tenure.
Even though his time with the Azzurri has been turbulent, Spalletti maintained his passion for the team.
“I love this shirt, this job, and the players I’ve coached,” he said. “Tomorrow, I’ll ask them to play with heart – even if I haven’t been able to get the best out of them yet.”
Tags: Luciano Spalletti, Italy, Norway, World Cup qualifier, Moldova, Italian Football Federation president, Gabriele Gravina, Azzurri, Group I, Estonia, Euro 2024, #WorldCupqualifiers, #WCQ.
