CONI President blames Italy players and throws Spalletti’s future into doubt after Euro exit | OneFootball

CONI President Giovanni Malagò blames Italy players for their poor performance against Switzerland and admits that the new FIGC President could decide to part company with Luciano Spalletti.

Italy’s EURO 2024 exit is still at the centre of the public debate, and CONI President Malagò, the head of the Italian National Olympic Committee, was the last one to share his thoughts on the matter during an interview with Il Corriere della Sera.

“I’ve already seen defeats. That’s obvious. However, what I saw looked implausible in a team sport with the possibility of substituting five players,” he said.

“The footballers on the pitch gave a sense of frustration and humiliation. It looked like they didn’t put their hearts and souls.”

Does Spalletti have responsibility for Italy’s poor results and performances in Germany?

CONI President blames Italy players and throws Spalletti’s future into doubt after Euro exit

“Of course, after all, he was honest and apologised,” said Malagò.

“Being a national team coach is not like being a club coach. It’s a shame because, after that Zaccagni goal against Croatia and that highway on the good side of the draw, we were probably in the best possible situation.

“A coach must be able to manage a team starting from his ideas. His CV speaks for itself, but it is evident that he has responsibility.”

Does this mean Spalletti should have resigned? Malagò is not so sure.

“Just a moment. Those who want him to resign forget that last year, they considered him the best available coach,” he noted.

“After Napoli, he had more attractive options in economic terms. But if Luciano says he’s ready to start again and prove he can get better results, who should decide to replace him? The same FIGC chiefs being questioned?”

FIGC President Gravina is under fire and has announced a federation election for November 4, 2024. Has Malagò spoken to him after Italy’s shameful exit?

“Of course, and I told him he should not have protracted this situation for so long,” replied Malagò.

“The air has become unbreathable. Before this national tragedy, federal elections were supposed to take place between February and March of next year. Now, he’s called for new elections in November. Those who say he must resign must know that whenever a President steps down, the board remains in charge of ordinary administration until new elections within 90 days. Whoever comes next, will take responsibility and decide whether to confirm Spalletti or make different decisions.”

What was Gravina’s mood?

“I felt disappointed and he felt betrayed by those who went on the pitch,” Malagò admitted.

“Italy U17 and U19 won the Euros. The U20s were World Cup runners-up, but the U21s didn’t make it to the Olympics, and the senior team failed in Germany. It must mean something.”

Athletes in other sports have been much more successful this summer. Italy, for example, won 24 medals during the European Athletics Championships.

“It’s not helpful to see guys who earn a few thousand euros get better results than those who earn millions and have popularity but not the proper attitude,” concluded Malagò.