FIGC President Gabriele Gravina believes Luciano Spalletti had the worst possible introduction to the Italy job and a decision has been made to ‘continue the forward-thinking project.’
The coach was drafted in on September 1, 2023 to replace Roberto Mancini, who had resigned only days earlier to take the Saudi Arabia national team job instead.
He had barely any time to prepare for a couple of crucial EURO 2024 qualifiers, then was thrown straight in at the deep end with the task of defending the European title.
“Since Luciano arrived for the Nazionale, he has always had to play in or out matches, real knockout football,” said Federation chief Gravina.
“He had won the Scudetto with Napoli and wanted to do well in the Euros too, to give great joy to the Italian people. Then that big disappointment came and you understand, tension grows.”
Italy decided to stick with Spalletti
There were reports that Spalletti could be sacked or resign following the dismal Round of 16 exit to Switzerland, where Italy won only one of their four games, drawing with Croatia deep into stoppages to scrape through the group stage.
However, everyone is eager to underline that the new era begins here and to wipe the slate clean.
“We decided to continue the forward-thinking project, one we share, and I think that when you give Luciano the right time, he is able to show his best. He seems calm and relaxed, then of course some good results would help everyone relax a bit more.”
Italy take on France tomorrow in Paris, then face Israel on neutral turf in Budapest on Monday evening for the Nations League.