Italy Dismisses Coach Spalletti After Crushing Defeat to Norway
Italy’s national football team has parted ways with head coach Luciano Spalletti following a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Norway in their World Cup qualifying campaign. Although Spalletti announced his dismissal himself, he is set to remain in charge for one more match against Moldova before officially stepping down. The loss to Norway dealt a serious blow to Italy’s hopes of securing direct qualification for the upcoming World Cup, prompting swift action from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
Spalletti’s tenure lasted under two years, having taken over the team in September 2023 after Roberto Mancini’s departure. While he guided Italy to Euro 2024, the team’s performance in the tournament was underwhelming, exiting at the round of 16 after a draw and a loss in the group stage. Despite a promising Nations League run that included a strong victory against France, inconsistency plagued the squad, with key losses dampening morale.
The campaign continued to be challenging with a disappointing Nations League quarterfinal against Germany and the recent heavy defeat by Norway, marking a low point for the Azzurri. Spalletti, visibly emotional during his announcement, expressed his belief in the team’s potential to still reach the World Cup but acknowledged the decision made by the federation. The FIGC president voiced his dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, signaling a demand for change to revive Italy’s international prospects.
Looking ahead, Italian media have speculated on potential replacements, with Stefano Pioli, currently managing Al Nassr, and Claudio Ranieri, who recently retired, among the frontrunners. The federation is now tasked with finding a new leader capable of steering Italy back to its former glory, as the team faces a critical period in its World Cup qualification journey.
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