Luciano Spalletti has confirmed his departure as head coach of Italy following a disastrous 3–0 defeat to Norway in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Despite early reports suggesting the 66-year-old might resign, Spalletti revealed he was relieved of his duties by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
“I was told by President Gravina that I would no longer be coach,” he said. “I had no intention of giving up. Especially when things aren’t going well, I prefer to stay in my place.”
Spalletti will take charge of one final match — a Monday night qualifier against Moldova — before officially stepping down.
Spalletti Storms Out of Press Conference
Spalletti, who guided Napoli to the 2022–23 Serie A title before accepting the Italy job, was visibly emotional during a tense press conference on Sunday. He admitted he was “disappointed” and “hurt” by how his tenure had unfolded.
“I haven’t managed to make the players be the best they are,” he said. “I’m sorry for myself. I created problems for the movement with my results. I was convinced that I could have done differently, but I didn’t succeed.”
When asked if he felt betrayed, Spalletti abruptly ended the press conference, saying, “Betrayed? No, I just said that…” before standing up and walking out.
Why Has Spalletti Left Italy?
Many neutrals might be wondering why Spalletti has left Italy after just one game of the qualification campaign — there is a combination of factors that led to his departure.
Despite being under contract until July 2026, Spalletti was told Saturday night that the FIGC had decided to move in a different direction. Rather than wait, Spalletti chose to face the media alone on Sunday and announce his departure ahead of the Moldova game.
The dismissal reportedly came after FIGC president Gabriele Gravina met with players, assessing the dressing room atmosphere. While no one spoke out against Spalletti, no one publicly defended him either.
Gazzetta dello Sport described the team dynamic as “undefined” — neither unified nor fractured, but uninspired and heavy.
Spalletti has also waived his severance pay, despite having another year left on his contract. “I see this role as a service to the country,” he explained.
Spalletti Italy Record
Spalletti’s spell in charge saw Italy eliminated by Switzerland in the Round of 16 at Euro 2024 after an unconvincing group stage. The Azzurri won just 11 of his 23 matches — the worst run for a national team boss since Cesare Prandelli’s exit in 2014.
The loss to Norway has piled pressure on the FIGC, which is determined to avoid a third consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup.
Who Will Replace Spalletti as Italy Head Coach?
Attention now turns to potential replacements. Former AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli is currently seen as the most viable candidate, while Claudio Ranieri has also emerged as an option.
Ranieri recently completed a short-term coaching stint at Roma and is expected to take up a director role with the club. However, the FIGC is pushing hard to convince him to accept the national team job.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, FIGC President Gabriele Gravina sees Ranieri as the ideal figure to guide Italy through a turbulent period.
Should Ranieri decline, Pioli remains a logical and available successor, with the tactical familiarity and leadership experience needed to stabilize the team.
What’s Next for Italy?
Italy faces a critical moment in its footballing history. With World Cup qualification already off to a poor start, the FIGC must act quickly to appoint a coach capable of restoring belief and consistency.
Spalletti didn’t hide his disappointment, but he still backed the squad’s chances moving forward.
“These are strong players. I remain convinced that this national team can reach the World Cup,” he said. “But I wasn’t able to bring out the best in them.”
For fans following the next steps in Italy’s coaching search and World Cup qualifying odds, some of the best new betting sites are already offering futures markets on Italy’s next head coach and 2026 qualification chances.
