Rome – Saba:
Luciano Spalletti confirmed on Sunday that he will step down as Italy coach after the match against Moldova in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Monday.
The Italian national team coach revealed that he had already been informed that he would be dismissed, but decided to terminate his contract after the Moldova match tomorrow, Monday, following Italy's humiliating 3-0 away defeat to Norway last Friday.
Although the loss came at the start of the team's Group 9 campaign, it complicated Italy's chances of qualifying early, leaving them nine points behind leaders Norway, according to Anadolu Agency.
During the press conference he held before the Moldova match, Spalletti said: "Gravina (the president of the Italian Football Federation) informed me that I will be relieved of my duties after the match, and we will terminate my contract."
He continued, "I was sorry. Given our relationship, I had no intention of giving up, but I take responsibility. I will win and convince myself on Monday to help my successor."
Spalletti added, "I would have preferred to stay and do my job, especially when things aren't going well. However, if this is an apology, I have to accept it. I have always considered this role a service to the homeland, and I want to contribute to building the future of the national team."
He continued, "I think it's right to look for the best, and I will finish my contract. I will be present tomorrow against Moldova. I have always maintained that my players are strong, and the results under my management are what they are, and I have to take responsibility."
Luciano Spalletti, 66, took over as coach of the Italian national team in September 2023, succeeding Roberto Mancini, on a contract until 2026.
Under Spalletti, Italy played a total of 23 matches, winning 11, drawing six, and losing six. The Italian national team missed the last two World Cups, in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.
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