Luciano Spalletti took charge of the Italian national team for the final time on Monday, departing his role with a bittersweet 2-0 home win over Moldova. Despite the victory, the outgoing manager admitted he was unable to elevate the squad during his tenure and leaves his successor with a challenging task ahead.
The end of Spalletti’s spell at the helm was hastened by a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Norway just days earlier — a result that further compromised Italy’s World Cup qualifying campaign. Speaking candidly at his final press conference, Spalletti acknowledged his shortcomings.
“I don’t give back to those who come after me a great national team because we didn’t play a great match tonight either,” he said. “I was given the opportunity to work, I tried, I made mistakes, and I even tried some experiments.”
Spalletti, who took over less than two years ago and oversaw a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, announced his departure ahead of the Moldova fixture. While he stopped short of resigning, he accepted full responsibility for Italy’s underwhelming performances.
“If you agree to coach the national team like I did, then you have to find the solution. You can’t hide behind the fact that you have few players,” he stated. “I did badly and in some ways, it is right that I go home. But I didn’t resign, because I think I can do better. But, if I am told that I am no longer the one, then I sign the resolution.”
Italy has yet to appoint a new head coach, though veteran manager Claudio Ranieri is widely reported to be the frontrunner. When asked if he had any words for his successor, Spalletti expressed humility and a desire to see the team succeed.
“I tried to shake things up when I arrived, but then maybe it was worse from what we saw,” he admitted. “You realise whether you did right or wrong only later. I tried some things and worked hard. I wish all the best to the federation and to the new coach who will arrive.”
As Italy looks ahead to a new era, Spalletti departs with a sense of regret — but also a clear-eyed recognition of his limitations during a difficult chapter for the Azzurri.
