Luciano Spalletti, the outgoing head coach of the Italian national football team, candidly addressed the team’s recent struggles before his final match in charge against Moldova on June 9, 2025. The 66-year-old, who announced his own sacking during a press conference on Sunday, expressed disappointment over Italy’s lackluster performances and admitted he had failed to elevate the squad to the heights expected of the four-time World Cup champions. His departure, confirmed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) following a 3-0 defeat to Norway in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, marks the end of a challenging tenure that lasted less than two years.
Spalletti, who took over from Roberto Mancini in August 2023, led Italy through a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, where the defending champions were knocked out by Switzerland in the round of 16. The team’s struggles continued into the World Cup qualifiers, with the Norway loss highlighting deeper issues within the squad. Speaking after Italy’s 2-0 victory over Moldova at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia, Spalletti admitted, “I haven’t been able to get the best out of these players,” acknowledging that he was leaving the team in a difficult position for his successor. He expressed regret over failing to ignite enthusiasm among fans, noting the warmth of the crowd but lamenting the team’s inability to repay their support with inspiring performances.
The former Napoli manager, who guided the club to the 2023 Serie A title, was candid about systemic challenges within Italian football. “I left the Nazionale exactly the same as I found it,” he said in his final press conference, pointing to persistent issues that hindered progress during his 24-game tenure, which yielded only 11 wins. Spalletti’s decision to announce his dismissal himself, ahead of the Moldova match, stemmed from his desire for transparency. “What sense would there have been in me telling two more days of lies?” he told Rai, explaining that he forced FIGC president Gabriele Gravina to confirm the decision after a conversation the previous night.
Despite the somber circumstances, Spalletti remained gracious, emphasizing his commitment to the national team as a service to Italy. He expressed no intention of resigning voluntarily, stating, “I had no intention of giving up, especially when things are not going well.” His emotional exit from the press conference on Sunday, where he stormed out after questions about betrayal, underscored the toll the role had taken. FIGC president Gravina, who praised Spalletti as “the most honourable person” he had met in football, dismissed speculation of a rift, highlighting the mutual respect between the two despite the unfavorable results.
As Italy looks to the future, the FIGC faces the urgent task of appointing a new head coach to navigate the complex 2026 World Cup qualification process. Reports indicate that Claudio Ranieri, the former Leicester City and Roma manager, was a leading candidate but has since declined the role. Stefano Pioli, currently at Al-Nassr and a former Serie A winner with Milan, is also in contention. Spalletti, ever supportive, expressed hope for his successor, saying he would be “the first to cheer” if Ranieri were appointed, while acknowledging the challenges ahead. “I tried to shake things up when I arrived, but maybe it was worse from what we saw,” he reflected.