Overview
- Luciano Spalletti was informed by FIGC president Gabriele Gravina on June 8 that he would be relieved of his duties following Italy’s 3-0 loss to Norway in their World Cup qualifying opener.
- Appointed in September 2023, Spalletti’s tenure featured a Euro 2024 last-16 exit and uneven Nations League performances that heightened pressure on his leadership.
- In his final match on June 9, Spalletti led Italy to a 2-0 win over Moldova, with Giacomo Raspadori and Andrea Cambiaso on the scoresheet.
- Italy sits third in Group I with three points from two games and trails Norway by nine points, with only group winners securing direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
- The Italian Football Federation has not yet confirmed a replacement, though Claudio Ranieri is widely reported to be the frontrunner for the coaching role.