Italy's national football team is facing turbulent times after a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Norway in their opening World Cup qualifier. The fallout has been swift and dramatic, with head coach Luciano Spalletti announcing his own dismissal during a press conference, leaving the Azzurri in a state of uncertainty.
Spalletti's Shocking Announcement
Spalletti, who led Napoli to Serie A glory before taking the reins of the national team, revealed that he was informed of his impending dismissal by Italian FA chief Gabriele Gravina. "Last night we were very together with president [Gabriele] Gravina. He told me that I will be relieved of my position as coach of the national team," Spalletti stated, visibly emotional.
The coach expressed his disappointment at the decision, stating that he had no intention of resigning and would have preferred to continue in his role, especially during challenging times. Despite the setback, Spalletti confirmed that he would still manage the team's upcoming match against Moldova. "I'll be there tomorrow evening against Moldova, then we'll resolve the contract."
A Troubled Tenure
Spalletti's tenure as Italy's head coach has been relatively short, beginning in 2023. While he led the team to Euro 2024, their journey ended in the round of 16 with a loss to Switzerland. In his 23 matches in charge, Italy has secured only 11 wins. This inconsistent performance, particularly the recent defeat to Norway, has amplified the pressure on the team and its leadership. Italy are in Group I of Uefa World Cup qualifying alongside Norway, Moldova, Estonia and Israel.
The defeat in Oslo exposed vulnerabilities in the Italian squad, with three first-half goals leaving them with a mountain to climb. The Gazzetta dello Sport's reaction, with a headline screaming "ENOUGH!", reflected the widespread frustration and concern about the team's World Cup aspirations, especially as Italy risks missing out on the tournament for the third consecutive time.
What's Next for Italy?
With Spalletti's departure imminent, the Italian FA faces the task of finding a suitable replacement to steer the team through the World Cup qualifiers and beyond. The next coach will need to address the team's inconsistencies, instill confidence, and revitalize their performance to ensure Italy can compete at the highest level once again. The situation is evolving, but the next game is against Moldova.