Luciano Spalletti becomes the ninth different Italy coach in this century and it is believed he will retain the role given to Roberto Mancini of co-ordinator of the youth teams.
The FIGC announced this evening that Spalletti had put pen to paper as the new CT, with a contract valid from September 1 to the end of the 2026 World Cup.
Since the year 2000, the Azzurri have seen nine coaches at the helm, going through Giovanni Trapattoni (2000-04), Marcello Lippi (2004-06 and 2008-10), Roberto Donadoni (2006-08), Cesare Prandelli (2010-14), Antonio Conte (2014-16), Gian Piero Ventura (2016-17), Gigi Di Biagio (caretaker manager 2018) and Roberto Mancini (2018-23).
According to Sky Sport Italia, the essential changes to the role that were announced just days before Mancini’s resignation do remain intact.
That means Spalletti will also be the co-ordinator of the Under-20 and Under-21 teams.
Gianluigi Buffon is also confirmed as delegation chief, with Andrea Barzagli focusing on defensive tactics and Antonio Gagliardi the chief tactical advisor.
Spalletti is expected to bring in his staff, Marco Domenichini, Francesco Sinatti and either Daniele Baldini or Alessandro Pane.
His debut on the bench will be the EURO 2024 qualifier against North Macedonia on Friday September 9, then he will host Ukraine on September 12.
Italy badly needs a bit of Napoli magic…. forza Spalletti!
A good choice. Anyone is better than Gian piero Ventura!