Luciano Spalletti claims he has been sacked by Italy after Norway humiliation

Luciano Spalletti has been sacked from his role as Italy’s coach, the manager said on Sunday, following their heavy loss to Norway, but will take charge of Monday’s game against Moldova.

Spalletti made the announcement at a press conference after Norway stunned Italy with a 3-0 win on Friday, handing the visitors a humiliating start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.

“Last night we were together with [Italian football federation] president [Gabriele] Gravina. He told me that I will be relieved of my position as coach of the national team,” Spalletti said.

“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.”

Spalletti’s apparent dismissal comes after less than two years in the role, having replaced Roberto Mancini and taken charge in September 2023. While Spalletti took Italy to Euro 2024, their disappointing performance there had already put the manager under pressure.

Italy went into the Euros last year in Germany as defending champions but after winning their opening game against Albania, they lost to Spain and snatched a late draw with Croatia to make the last 16, where they were beaten 2-0 by Switzerland.

View image in fullscreen Luciano Spalletti cuts an anguished figure as Italy lose 3-0 in Norway. Photograph: Emmanuele Mastrodonato/IPA Sport/ipa-agency.net/Shutterstock

Spalletti’s side seemed to have recovered as they put in an impressive Nations League campaign, beating France 3-1 away and losing just once. They lost at home to Les Bleus in the final group game to finish behind France on goal difference. Italy began this year with a 2-1 loss at the San Siro in their Nations League quarter-final first leg with Germany and found themselves 3-0 down at half-time in the return game in Dortmund.

The Azzurri came back to salvage a draw but missed out on a semi-final place and when they fell 3-0 behind at the break against Norway, this time Italy had no reply. The loss left Spalletti’s side already facing an uphill battle to secure automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup, and after Italy missed out on the last two finals, the Italian football federation (FIGC) decided to act.

skip past newsletter promotion Sign up to Football Daily Free daily newsletter Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football Enter your email address Sign up Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy . We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. after newsletter promotion

“I was convinced I could get to the World Cup and I remain convinced this national team can get there,” Spalletti said. “I love this shirt, the players I have coached, and tomorrow night I will ask them to show everything they have.”

Spalletti was asked if he felt betrayed, but could hardly get any more words out and left the press room with tears in his eyes. The 66-year-old, who previously managed Roma, Zenit St Petersburg and Inter, came into the Italy job on the back of leading Napoli to the Scudetto in 2023, but was unable to bring that success to the national side.

Italian media reports suggest Stefano Pioli, who is in charge of Saudi club Al-Nassr and a Serie A title winner with Milan, is one of the favourites to replace Spalletti, with Claudio Ranieri’s name also mentioned. Ranieri recently retired for a second time after his spell at Roma last season, but the 73-year-old could be tempted to return once more if offered his dream job with Italy.

Click here to read article