Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti confirmed he has been sacked but admitted he wanted to stay in his role – before walking out of a frosty press conference.
Spalletti, 66, sensationally announced his own departure while speaking to reporters ahead of the Azzurri’s World Cup qualifier against Moldova on Monday.
His side suffered a dismal 3-0 defeat by Norway on Friday, bringing his future into question, and he was widely tipped to walk away before the next match.
While the game was only Italy’s first in the group, just one team will automatically qualify for the World Cup and Norway now top the pile on nine points.
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma described the result as ‘not acceptable’ and Spalletti held showdown talks with Italian FA president Gabriele Gravina.
No official announcement on Spalletti’s dismissal was made as of Sunday afternoon – but the manager took matters into his own hands in front of the assembled press.
Italy boss Luciano Spalletti announced his own sacking during an explosive press conference
Spalletti will depart after the Azzurri crashed to a dismal 3-0 defeat by Norway
The match was Italy’s first in their World Cup qualifying group, which Norway top
He did, however, confirm he had no intention of stepping down.
‘We spoke last night and they told me that I will be relieved of my position as national team head coach,’ Spalletti said in his bombshell news conference.
‘I was sorry, given the relationship we have, I had no intention of giving up.
‘I would have preferred to stay and do my job, especially when things aren’t going well. However, if it’s an exoneration, 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.
‘I love this shirt, this job and the players that I’ve coached.
‘Tomorrow night I will ask them to give what I’ve asked from them, even if I was not able to get them to show their best.’
Spalletti was asked whether he felt he had been ‘betrayed’ over losing his job.
Erling Haaland was on target (pictured) as Italy slumped to a punishing loss
Spalletti, who took charge in August 2023, won just 11 of his 23 games at the helm
Spalletti insisted he wanted to remain his role and his first game will come against Moldova
However, after pausing for several seconds, he got to his feet and walked out.
Spalletti took charge of Italy in August 2023 after Roberto Mancini’s departure.
His side crashed out of Euro 2024 in the last-16 after losing to Switzerland and won just one match all tournament – with Spalletti earning 11 victories from 23 games.
