Pioli and Ranieri Emerge as Frontrunners for Italy’s Coaching Position

MILAN: Following a significant 3-0 loss to Norway in a recent World Cup qualifying match, Luciano Spalletti has announced his departure as the head coach of the Italian national team. The announcement was made during a press conference on Sunday.

Spalletti revealed that the decision was communicated to him by Gabriele Gravina, the president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). This occurred prior to the team’s scheduled match against Moldova.

“Last night, I met with Gabriele Gravina, the federation president, who informed me that I would be relieved of my responsibilities as the national team’s head coach,” Spalletti stated.

He emphasized that he had no intention of resigning and wished to continue his work, expressing confidence in Italy’s prospects for World Cup qualification.

“I did not want to give up my position and would have preferred to continue my job. I will be on the bench tomorrow evening against Moldova; afterward, we’ll resolve the contract situation,” he added.

“I firmly believed we could reach the World Cup, and I still believe this team is capable. I am passionate about this team, the players I have coached, and I will ask them to give their utmost effort tomorrow night.”

Gravina also addressed the situation on Sunday, though without directly commenting on Spalletti’s future. He emphasized his dissatisfaction with the manner of the defeat.

“In sports, you can either win or suffer a loss, but it is crucial to understand how to handle a defeat,” Gravina commented.

“Losing in such a manner is personally unacceptable to me.”