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3d ago

Italy Relieves Spalletti After Norway Defeat, Wins His Farewell Match

The Italian federation has yet to name a replacement; Claudio Ranieri is reported to be the leading candidate.

Soccer Football - World Cup - European Qualifiers - Group I - Italy v Moldova - Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia, Italy - June 9, 2025 Italy coach Luciano Spalletti with Andrea Cambiaso after the match REUTERS/Daniele Mascolo
Soccer Football - World Cup - European Qualifiers - Group I - Italy v Moldova - Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia, Italy - June 9, 2025 Italy coach Luciano Spalletti REUTERS/Daniele Mascolo
Soccer Football - World Cup - European Qualifiers - Group I - Italy v Moldova - Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia, Italy - June 9, 2025 Italy coach Luciano Spalletti shakes hands with Lorenzo Lucca after the match REUTERS/Daniele Mascolo

Overview

  • Luciano Spalletti confirmed on June 8 that FIGC president Gabriele Gravina informed him he would be relieved following Italy’s 3-0 loss to Norway in their World Cup qualifier opener.
  • In his final match on June 9, Italy defeated Moldova 2-0 with goals from Giacomo Raspadori and Andrea Cambiaso in Reggio Emilia.
  • Italy remains bottom of Group I with zero points and trails Norway by nine points, risking a third consecutive World Cup absence after playoff eliminations in 2018 and 2022.
  • Spalletti’s tenure since September 2023 featured inconsistent performances, including a Euro 2024 last-16 exit and mixed results in the Nations League.
  • Signed to a three-year contract in August 2023, Spalletti departs after under two years in charge, leaving the federation to appoint new leadership ahead of September’s qualifiers.