Luciano Spalletti will remain as Italy’s coach despite the Azzurri’s humbling elimination from Euro 2024. Italy’s football chief, Gabriele Gravina, announced the decision on Sunday, emphasizing the importance of a long-term plan for the national team.
Italy suffered a disappointing exit from the Euros in the last 16, falling to a 2-0 defeat against Switzerland in Berlin on Saturday. However, Gravina insists that the disastrous defense of their European title will not cost Spalletti his job.
“I’m pragmatic, it’s impossible to resolve problems by abandoning a long-term project or by abandoning the coach and players who have accompanied us in this project,” Gravina told reporters.
Spalletti, who replaced Euro 2020-winning coach Roberto Mancini last summer, has been tasked with guiding Italy to a strong performance in the upcoming Nations League. “Spalletti has our faith, he has to have our faith, he needs to get to work, as in 60 days the Nations League begins,” Gravina added.
The Italian football chief acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating that immediate solutions are not likely. “We can’t imagine that a (Kylian) Mbappe or Cristiano Ronaldo will suddenly come on the scene, so we need to be patient,” he said.
Spalletti’s appointment came after he led Napoli to a historic Serie A title, earning him considerable credit. However, his tenure with the national team has been marked by struggles, including inconsistent lineups and formations.
The 65-year-old coach acknowledged the team’s underwhelming performance at the Euros. “Obviously not, because if not I would be here talking about something different,” Spalletti said when asked if he had delivered on his promise to bring the best version of himself to the job.
Looking ahead, Spalletti stressed the need for a fresh start. “The match last night brought us back down to zero, and it’s from there that we need to start again,” he said.
Italy will open their Nations League campaign against France in Paris on September 6, facing a challenging group that also includes Belgium and Israel.
