Gravina: ‘Italy will take all the time available’ to choose new coach | OneFootball

FIGC President Gabriele Gravina insists they will ‘take all the time available’ to make a decision on the next Italy coach after sacking Luciano Spalletti.

The CT was fired in the wake of the 3-0 defeat to Norway, despite the fact he then had to lead the team into another 2026 World Cup qualifier 48 hours later.

REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 09: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy looks on during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

That was Monday evening’s 2-0 victory over Moldova and now there will be a different tactician on the Azzurri bench when the squad gets back together for the next game in September.

“There is no news, we are studying the situation,” Gravina told Sky Sport Italia this evening when asked if there had been progress.

“We have a few days at our disposal and we want to take all the time available to us.”

Italy with limited options to replace Spalletti

TURIN, ITALY – MAY 25: Claudio Ranieri, Head Coach of AS Roma looks on prior to the Serie A match between Torino and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 25, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

An approach had been made to Claudio Ranieri, but he had already signed on as a special consultant with Roma and retired from his coaching career.

The favourite would now appear to be Gennaro Gattuso, who left Hajduk Split by mutual consent last week and was in the squad that won the 2026 World Cup.

HAMBURG, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 15: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Olympique de Marseille looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 Knockout Round Play-offs First Leg match between FC Shakhtar Donetsk and Olympique de Marseille at Volksparkstadion on February 15, 2024 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

“Aside from the names, we want to understand if there is a new project,” added Federation chief Gravina.

Spalletti was dismissed personally by Gravina, who had brought him in to replace Roberto Mancini following tension just under two years ago.

“There is the feeling of great disappointment. Our world is also about sentiments and I must be honest, I have a splendid rapport with Luciano, which has only strengthened over the last few days.

“When a bond like this breaks, it does hurt me. He was the victim and recipient of so many attacks.”