Luciano Spalletti has confirmed he has been sacked as manager of the Italian national team following their 3–0 defeat to Norway in World Cup qualifying. The announcement came on Sunday, just two days after the heavy loss, though Spalletti will remain in charge for Monday’s match against Moldova.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the fixture, Spalletti revealed that Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina informed him of the decision.
“Last night we were together with president 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 and continue doing my job. I’ll be there tomorrow evening against Moldova, then we’ll resolve the contract.”
Spalletti, who took over in September 2023 following the resignation of Roberto Mancini, led Italy to Euro 2024 but faced mounting pressure after a lacklustre tournament showing. Italy exited in the Round of 16 after a 2–0 defeat to Switzerland, having struggled through the group stage.
Despite a promising Nations League campaign that included a 3–1 win away to France, Italy failed to advance after finishing behind the French on goal difference. Their 2025 campaign started poorly with a 2–1 home defeat to Germany in the Nations League quarter-final and a 3–3 draw in the return leg after trailing 3–0 at half-time.
The latest setback a 3–0 half-time deficit against Norway with no reply left Italy facing a steep challenge in their quest to qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup. Having missed the last two tournaments, the FIGC acted swiftly to change direction.
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Spalletti, visibly emotional during the press briefing, said he still believes in the team’s potential:
“I was convinced I could get to the World Cup, and I remain convinced this national team can get there.
I love this shirt, the players I have coached, and tomorrow night I will ask them to show everything they have.”
Asked if he felt betrayed, the 66-year-old was overcome with emotion and left the press room in tears.
Earlier in the day, Gravina stopped short of confirming the dismissal but made clear his disappointment with recent results:
“We know the result. In sport, you can win or lose, but you must also understand how to lose.
Losing like that, personally, I do not accept it,” the FIGC president said.
Spalletti took the Italy job after guiding Napoli to their first Serie A title in over three decades but was unable to translate that success at international level.
Speculation over his successor has already begun, with former AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli currently managing Saudi side Al-Nassr emerging as a leading candidate. Veteran coach Claudio Ranieri, who recently retired after a brief stint at Roma, is also reportedly under consideration.
