Luciano Spalletti insists he was SACKED as Italy manager

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 8 Jun 2025 14:46 BST
• 3 min read

News

Luciano Spalletti is set to resign as head coach of the Italy national team.

The Azzurri manager claimed he was forced to hand in his resignation to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

Speaking ahead of Italy's international with Moldova, Spalletti confirmed that he would step down at the end of the international break: “I will sign the termination of the contract with Italian Football Federation on Tuesday."

But the former Roma, Inter Milan and Napoli boss admitted that the decision was forced upon him, telling reporters "I was told I will be relieved of my duties, I had no intention of giving up. I'm sorry, I would have preferred to stay."

Spalletti has been under severe pressure following a dismal 3-0 defeat to Norway in Oslo in Italy's opening World Cup qualifier.

That result means that it is very unlikely that Italy will finish top of their group, causing them to go through a probable playoff to avoid missing a third straight World Cup.

Spalletti out

Spalletti was appointed as Italy manager in August 2023 following the resignation of Euro 2020-winning manager Roberto Mancini.

There were high hopes for Spalletti as he was coming off the back to leading Napoli to a first Scudetto in 33 years in the 2022-23 season.

But he endured a disappointing spell in charge of Italy. He narrowly avoided having to go through a playoff for Euro 2024 when Ukraine were controversially denied a penalty in the final matchday of qualifying.

And at the Euros itself, Italy produced a disastrous performance as they were eliminated in the last 16 by Switzerland 2-0.

The results and performances have not improved since, despite a slighly upturn in September and October, and Italy's form has been very poor of late.

They have conceded 11 goals in their last four games, kept only three clean sheets in Spalletti's 23 games in charge, and this culminated in the 3-0 loss to Norway that proved to be the final straw.

Stefano Pioli and Claudio Ranieri are the two favourites to replace Spalletti.

Football transfer news headlines today

CONFIRMED: Arsenal hold talks for West Ham star Mohammed Kudus

DONE DEALS: Every official transfer around Europe today

Victor Osimhen transfer news: 'JAW-DROPPING' €195m deal as striker jets to PARIS after agreement

Sesko says yes to Arsenal as €70m bid made

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store