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After the 3-0 defeat to Norway in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, coach Luciano Spalletti left open the possibility of leaving the position of coach of the Italian national team. He is expected to have a meeting with the president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) Gabriele Gravina after the match against Moldova on Monday night to re-evaluate the situation.
However, at a press conference on Sunday afternoon (June 8), the 66-year-old strategist confirmed that he would leave after the match against Moldova ended. Spalletti also emphasized that he was not fired, but terminated his contract.
"I had a conversation with the FIGC on Saturday night, and they said I would be fired. But the truth is, I decided to terminate my contract," Spalletti said. "I had no intention of giving up and always wanted to stay to serve my country. But as head coach, I take responsibility for the bad results."
Although Italy have only just begun their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, the defeat to Norway leaves them nine points behind their opponents (who have played three games). Having missed the last two World Cups, Italy are worried that a repeat of the worst-case scenario could happen if they do not act soon.
Spalletti's reign began last September, spanning 23 games but winning just 11 of them, a win rate of 47.8%. Under him, the Azzurri also failed to reach the finals of the 2024/25 Nations League. They have failed to win their last 4 games and conceded 11 goals.
According to Italian media, coach Stefano Pioli is the leading candidate to steer the Azzurri ship. This 59-year-old strategist won the 2021/22 Serie A championship with Milan and is currently leading Al-Nassr.
Source: https://tienphong.vn/hai-ngay-sau-that-bai-truoc-na-uy-hlv-spalletti-quyet-dinh-tu-chuc-post1749496.tpo
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