Spalletti chose to announce Italy dismissal before Moldova, waived severance pay | OneFootball

According to Gazzetta, Luciano Spalletti decided to announce his dismissal as Italy coach facing journalists alone on Sunday, and waived his severance pay as his contract was due to expire in 2026.

The Certaldo-born coach announced on Sunday that he had been sacked after a 3-0 loss against Norway.

Spalletti decision before Moldova game

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 20: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Italy, reacts during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Italy and Germany at Stadio San Siro on March 20, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Nevertheless, he will take charge of his last game as Italy national team coach against Moldova tonight.

Spalletti was informed of the FIGC decision on Saturday night and according to Gazzetta, he decided to face journalists alone during a pre-match press conference, announcing his dismissal.

Gravina let Spalletti announce dismissal

BOLOGNA, ITALY – JUNE 4: President Gabriele Gravina of the FIGC looks on during the international Friendly match between Italy and Turkiye at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on June 4, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

President Gabriele Gravina was sitting in front of Spalletti and agreed to let the Italy CT make the announcement, although he would have preferred to communicate it to the media after tonight’s match.

Spalletti was under contract until July 31, 2026, and according to the report, he waived his severance pay.

Gravina is now holding talks with Claudio Ranieri, who has become a Roma advisor after working as the Giallorossi’s coach for the past six months.

What Spalletti said about Italy exit

“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.

epa11726490 Italy’s head coach Luciano Spalletti reacts during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Italy and France at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan, Italy, 17 November 2024. EPA-EFE/DANIEL DAL ZENNARO

“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.”