Italy players didn’t stand against Spalletti’s dismissal – report | OneFootball

No Italy player was openly against Luciano Spalletti, but nobody stood against his dismissal, prompting FIGC President Gabriele Gravina to part ways with the Certaldo-born coach, reports Gazzetta.

Spalletti will take charge of his final Italy game tonight as the Azzurri host Moldova in a crucial World Cup qualifying match.

Spalletti awkwardly announced his dismissal during a press conference on Sunday.

Gravina meeting with Italy players

Italian national soccer team players gather during a training session of the Italian national soccer team at the Coverciano traning centre near Florence, Italy, 08 September 2023. Italy play North Macedonia on 09 September in an UEFA EURO 2024 qualifier. EPA-EFE/CLAUDIO GIOVANNINI

Monday’s printed edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Gravina held a meeting with Italy players before deciding on Spalletti’s sacking.

This, however, doesn’t mean that the players pushed to drop the coach, but Gravina acknowledged that the bond between Spalletti and his players was no longer solid, as shown during a shameful 3-0 loss against Norway on Friday.

Atmosphere inside Italy dressing room

‘The atmosphere [in the dressing room] was undefined,’ wrote Gazzetta.

‘Neither like the trench warfare under Conte, nor the big family under Mancini. In any case, it was tiring, not to say burdensome, far from peaceful.’

No Italian player was openly against Spalletti, but none stood against his dismissal, so Gravina communicated his decision to the coach on Saturday night.

Gazzetta and Corriere della Sera report that Gravina wanted to announce the coach’s sacking after tonight’s game against Moldova, but Spalletti opted to make the announcement on the eve of the game and even waived severance pay.

Gravina has contacted Claudio Ranieri to replace Spalletti. The 73-year-old is already a Roma advisor, so he needs the green light from the club to take on the Azzurri role.

What Spalletti said about Italy exit

epa10835406 Italy’s national soccer team head coach Luciano Spalletti (R) and President of the Italian Football Federation Gabriele Gravina attend a press conference in Coverciano in Florence, Italy, 02 September 2023. EPA-EFE/CLAUDIO GIOVANNINI

“We spoke last night and they told me that I will be relieved of my position as national team head coach.

“I was sorry, given the relationship we have, I had no intention of giving up,” he continued.

“I would have preferred to stay and do my job, especially when things aren’t going well. However, if it’s a sacking, then I have to accept it. I have always seen this role as a service to the homeland, and I want to help the future of the national team.

“I think it’s right to look for the best, I will terminate my contract. I’ll be there tomorrow night against Moldova. I have always maintained that my players are strong. The results under my management are what they are and I have to take responsibility.”

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper, June 9, 2025, page 8