Pioli and Ranieri among those tipped to succeed Spalletti who will leave role after Moldova match.
Luciano Spalletti, manager of the Italian national football team, announced on Sunday that he had been sacked following a shock 3-0 defeat against Norway in a World Cup qualifier.
Spalletti, 66, said he was informed by the national football federation FIGC that he has to go after Monday’s match against Moldova in which the Azzurri will be looking for their first points in the World Cup qualification group.
An emotional Spalletti confirmed the news during a press conference which ended with him leaving abruptly after being asked if he felt betrayed by the dismissal.
FIGC president Gabriele Gravina told Eurosport on Sunday that Italy’s defeat to Norway was “unacceptable”, adding: “We were not prepared to face an opponent like this.”
In a statement on the FIGC website, Spalletti said that he was “disappointed” to be relieved of his duties, stating: “I never intended on giving up especially when things are going badly. I would have preferred to keep my position and continue doing my job.”
However he acknowledged that his dismissal was based on “negative results”, amid fears that Italy could fail to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row.
Spalletti became Italy’s head coach in September 2023, replacing Roberto Mancini, after leading Napoli to the Serie A title earlier that year.
Candidates to replace him as Italy boss reportedly include Stefano Pioli, 59, who led AC Milan to the Serie A title in 2022, and Claudio Ranieri, 73, who last was in charge of Roma.
Ahead of Italy’s clash against Moldova in Reggio Emilia, Spalletti said on Sunday: “Winning and convincing tomorrow will be the best possible way to pave the way for the person who will replace me.”
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