The head coach of the Italy national team, Luciano Spalletti, has faced one of the most challenging days of his professional career this week. The 66-year-old experienced specialist has officially announced his departure from the national team. The person who demanded his resignation was Gabriel Gravina, the president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
It is reported that the decision was influenced by the significant defeat (0:3) against Norway in the qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup on June 6. The result of the defeat was met with great uproar and dissatisfaction by the Italian media and fans. It was after this match that the leadership of the Italian Football Federation decided to take drastic measures.
Luciano Spalletti announced this decision at a special press conference held before the game against Moldova on June 9. He explained in detail how his meeting with the Federation president went in front of the gathered journalists and fans:
“Yesterday evening, we met with Federation president Gabriel Gravina and discussed the situation in detail. Unfortunately, he informed me that I am being relieved of my duties as the national team coach. This decision was very difficult for me to accept. Personally, I would have liked to fight to fulfill my duties until the end despite all the difficulties. But I am forced to accept this decision and prioritize the interests of my country over my personal passions. Now, a solution must be found that is best for both the Federation and the national team. My contract will be terminated, and the official processes will begin in the coming days,” Spalletti stated.
Luciano Spalletti had been managing the Italy national team since September 2023. When he took over the team, football fans and experts in the country had high hopes for him. Spalletti, who has achieved numerous successes in Italian football and has extensive experience as a coach, was tasked with strengthening the national team and leading it to the World Cup.
However, under his management, the Italy national team did not achieve the expected results. In particular, the painful defeat against Norway in the qualifying match marked the end of his tenure. The Italian media is evaluating this situation as the beginning of a new era for the country's football.
After this situation, the Italian Football Federation, under Gravina's leadership, promptly began the process of searching for a new coach. The main task for the Federation now is to rebuild the national team, strengthen the squad, and establish cooperation with a new coach.
According to reports, there are well-known specialists among the new candidates for the management of the Italy national team, and their identities may be revealed soon.
At the same time, a new chapter may open for Spalletti, who has managed famous clubs such as Roma, Inter, and Napoli during his career in Italian football. Many experts do not rule out the possibility that he may start working with another prestigious club in European football after leaving the Italy national team.
Regardless, this resignation could serve as the first step towards significant changes in the Italy national team and Italian football in general, leading to new revolutionary decisions and future-oriented strategies. Fans are eagerly awaiting the new coach and the results he will achieve with the national team.
This transitional period, no matter how challenging it may be for Italian football, has left the country's football enthusiasts hopeful that the national team will return to its rightful place in world football.
