Luciano Spalletti has been sacked as Italy coach, but will oversee their World Cup qualifier with Moldova before leaving his post.
Italy, who have not qualified for the World Cup since 2014, when they exited in the group stage, made a dreadful start to qualifying for the 2026 tournament on Friday.
The Azzurri were thrashed 3-0 by Norway, who they now trail by nine points in UEFA qualifying Group I. They are six points behind Israel in second place having played two games fewer. Each of the 12 group runners-up will progress to the play-offs.
Faced with the humiliating prospect of potentially missing out on an expanded 48-team World Cup, Italy have acted, dismissing Spalletti after just under two years in the job.
Spalletti revealed the decision at a fiery press conference ahead of Monday’s game with Moldova in Reggio Emilia, which will now serve as his farewell.
“We spoke last night and they told me that I will be relieved of my position as national team head coach,” Spalletti said.
“I was sorry, given the relationship we have, I had no intention of giving up.
“I would have preferred to stay and do my job, especially when things aren’t going well. However, if it’s an exoneration, then I have to accept it. I have always seen this role as a service to the homeland, and I want to help the future of the national team.
“I think it’s right to look for the best, I will terminate my contract. I’ll be there tomorrow night against Moldova. I have always maintained that my players are strong. The results under my management are what they are and I have to take responsibility.
“I love this shirt, this job and the players that I’ve coached. Tomorrow night I will ask them to give what I’ve asked from them, even if I was not able to get them to show their best.
“I didn’t want to end with the situation of the other night, rather with a good game. I have always told the boys that they are the right guys to go to the World Cup. There have been complications, but now I expected a level of awareness and for them to show that they are still the right guys.”
Asked what he said in his meeting with Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina, Spalletti replied: “I would have continued with this group. There is an assessment to be made about how we got to these games.
“Many players were worn out at the end of the season, we weren’t in the best shape. But, they are my players. Even those who had injuries were in a position to be called up.”
Spalletti led Italy to Euro 2024, but the defence of their European title ended with a surprise 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the last 16.
He has won 11 of his 23 games in charge, drawing six.
Pressed on if he would change anything from his time as coach, Spalletti said: “I don’t know either. I was convinced it wouldn’t be a walk in the park, but that I would still make it to the World Cup. I am still convinced of it. That was still my conviction when talking to Gravina.
“My world doesn’t collapse when I lose games. There is a position between the vision and accepting the result, but I’m far below the level required because these are strong players. To mull over the past is a waste of time. You can’t affect the past. Now it’s essential to play a game that is worthy of the shirt that we wear.”
Spalletti stormed out after being asked if he felt betrayed by Gravina, who will now be tasked with finding a successor, with Claudio Ranieri and Stefano Pioli seen as candidates for the job.
