Luciano Spalletti's term of office has ended. © APA/afp / FABRICE COFFRINI

Sensation: Spalletti dismissed after Norway disgrace

Italy's national football coach Luciano Spalletti loses his job after the 0-3 defeat in the World Cup qualifier against Norway.

June 08, 2025

From: dpa

The 66-year-old announced that he would no longer be on the bench after the next match against Moldova on Monday evening. The association had informed him that he was being relieved of his duties as national coach. Following the defeat, Italy fears that, after missing two World Cups in a row, they will also miss the 2026 World Cup.

"I'm sorry. I would have preferred to stay and try to change things," Spalletti said at a press conference. He said he has a very good relationship with federation president Gabriele Gravina. "But I accept the dismissal due to the negative results." After Monday's game, he will give his approval to terminate his contract. "I owe this to the federation, which has always supported me, even when the results were lacking."

Is he the next Italy coach? Claudio Ranieri. © ANSA / ANGELO CARCONI

The former championship-winning coach of SSC Napoli had been head coach of the national team since September 2023. Among those being considered as a successor is former AS Roma coach Claudio Ranieri. The 73-year-old had originally planned to retire after the recently concluded season.