TNT Sports
Luciano Spalletti announces he will leave Italy job after Moldova 2026 World Cup qualifier, with Stefano Pioli favourite to take over
By
Published 08/06/2025 at 16:44 GMT+1
Italy suffered a surprising 3-0 defeat to Norway on Friday in their 2026 World Cup qualifying match in Group I. Luciano Spalletti was already under pressure after an underwhelming showing at the 2024 European Championship, and he has now announced he will leave the national team as their head coach after their home qualifier against Moldova on Monday.
'He has it all' - Yamal backed to become a 'football legend' by De La Fuente
Video credit: TNT Sports
Luciano Spalletti has announced he will leave his job as head coach of Italy after his side's home World Cup qualifier against Moldova on Monday.
The former Napoli manager had hinted at the decision to come after a 3-0 away defeat to Norway in World Cup qualifying on Friday.
In a press conference on Sunday, Spaletti said: "Last night we were together with [Italian federation] president [Gabriele] Gravina. He told me that I will be relieved of my position as coach of the national team.
"I had no intention of giving up. I would have preferred to stay in my place and continue doing my job. I'll be there tomorrow evening against Moldova, then we'll resolve the contract."
Before storming out of the conference, he added: "I'll be there tomorrow night against Moldova. These are the results under my management and I have to take responsibility.
"I love this shirt, this job and the players I've coached. Tomorrow night I'll ask them to demonstrate what I asked, even if I haven't been able to get them to express their best."
- 'Not realistic' - Pochettino rules out Spurs return
- Kane strike enough for England to sneak past Andorra
The 66-year-old took charge of the national team in 2023, but came under serious pressure after a limp round-of-16 exit to Switzerland at Euro 2024, with constant reports of problems in the dressing room due to his methods.
Spalletti has enjoyed spells at Napoli, Inter Milan and Roma among others, memorably winning the 2022/23 Scudetto with Napoli.
Former AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli, currently in charge of Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, is the bookmakers' favourite to replace Spalletti.
Italy are currently nine points off the top spot in Group I, although they have only played one game, as they look to avoid missing a third World Cup in a row.
The Italians, four times World Cup winners, failed to qualify for Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.
---
Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+
Thoughts?
Advertisement
Advertisement