FIGC President Gabriele Gravina says Luciano Spalletti’s release clause is something between the coach and the club and blames both Aurelio De Laurentiis and ‘offensive’ Roberto Mancini.
Gravina released an interview with Il Corriere della Sera to offer his version on the chaotic exit of Mancini as Italy’s national team coach and the subsequent appointment of Spalletti. Why did he pick the ex-Napoli boss?
“Because he won the Serie A title exciting all those who love football,” said Gravina.
“He has the experience and has shown contagious enthusiasm from the first call.
“It’s a romantic and thoughtful choice, perfect for what we have in mind, bringing the renewal forward and relying on young players,” the FIGC President added.
Spalletti left Napoli after winning the first Serie A title for the Partenopei in 33 years. However, he had a release clause worth circa €3m which, as things stand, has not been paid yet.
“I didn’t even know about it at the beginning. I found out from papers,” admitted Gravina.
“The lawyers ensured that we could talk to him, the rest is a matter between Luciano and his ex-club.”
Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis and club lawyer Mattia Grassani had insisted that the clause had to be paid in full to release Spalletti.
“I spoke to Aurelio, but I didn’t expect anything different although there is something else that did surprise me,” said Gravina.
“A lot of hate and hypocrisy from some critics, but it’s part of the game. I’ve also read about other coaches who were not in our plans. I immediately called Spalletti, the other candidate was Antonio Conte who can’t be considered a second choice, end of the story.
“I didn’t expect De Laurentiis to talk about Mancini’s contract which he doesn’t know. Some claims were inappropriate, like when he said we had to pay to get Spalletti.
“The situation was clear from the very beginning. Luciano immediately told me that the clause is a problem between him and Napoli, FIGC never considered being involved.”
Gravina is also unhappy with Mancini’s behaviour and claims following his resignation. The ex-Azzurri coach said he had left the national team also due to Gravina’s decisions regarding his staff.
“I can say it openly now. I was disappointed. I don’t hold grudges, but the timing of this farewell leaves me perplexed,” replied the FIGC President.
“Roberto never told me he wanted to leave, it came out of nowhere. The first time I heard about resignations was from his wife, Silvia Fortini, who is also his lawyer, the day before we received a certified email. Considering our rapport, I would have preferred if Mancini had informed me looking to me in the eyes.
“I had received a text on August 8, still from his lawyer, where he expressed the discomfort regarding a release clause to be activated if we hadn’t qualified for the Euros, nothing else.”
FIGC, in fact, could dismiss Mancini if he had failed to qualify for the 2024 EURO after missing out on the 2022 World Cup.
“I still ask myself how Mancini could say certain things. And I even wonder if he really said so because it’s contrary to what actually happened,” continued Gravina.
“We all know, Silvia, Roberto and I, what really happened. Regarding his staff, only Evani left as he hadn’t accepted a new role.
“We are talking about somebody who was part of the federation and had arrived before Roberto. The others remained. Lombardo and Nuciari had different roles but would have returned to Coverciano when there was the national team. We strengthened the group with Barzagli and Gagliardi who he wanted.
“I don’t want to fuel controversy, but his claims were unpleasant, inappropriate and offensive. I hope he will change his stance. I am telling you more: call him because I can’t believe what he said.
“We had a friendly and professional rapport, I’ve never stepped on his toes, never suggested a player, never asked the line-up. I didn’t deserve this treatment.”
Don’t complain Gravina. If Gravina had any balls he would have sacked Mancini after the World Cup failure.
mancini should have stepped down after rhe world cup he gave italy a euro it would hve been the appropiate thing he looked in the future great players were not coming
I cannot believe what us going on .
I believe that when italy was out of the competition Mancini should have been
Shown the door .
So this is not Mancini fault it is managements fault .During the competition it was clear that Mancini was playing his last card .I believe he had the tools (talent) to qualifie but did not use them.Also I am sure that his support staff (off the record) mentioned it to him .
If I had to give Mancini words of advise I would say is make decisions tha will benefit the team not your personal ego.
Mancini continued to pick aging and underperforming players such as Immobile and Bonucci when he should have given opportunities to younger players.