Former Italy nationwide group head coach believes that his substitute Gennaro Gattuso could have no points qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, admits that he would nonetheless name up Mateo Retegui after his transfer to the Saudi Professional League and has revealed which younger Italy expertise he would have preferred to have at his disposal throughout his tenure.
The previous CT talked all issues Italy throughout an interview on Nonsolomercato on Rai “ on Tuesday.
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Spalletti, who was earlier this summer season, insists that he has no regrets over his personal tenure, and that he needs his successor nothing however the perfect as he leads the group into the 2026 World Cup.
Spalletti on Gattuso, Esposito, Retegui and Italy’s World Cup qualification
REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 9: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy gestures through the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photograph by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Pictures)
“The nationwide group felt like I used to be in heaven,” Spalletti informed Rai (through ). “I gave it my all, however I used to be unable to provide every thing. I’m particularly sorry to those that anticipated massive outcomes and growth. I take duty having failed to take action.
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“The federation was at all times shut by me and gave me the chance to work in the very best method, however sadly that’s not the way it went.”
Spalletti was requested if he feels that the usual or high quality of participant accessible to the Italy nationwide group is at an all-time low.
He replied: “For my part, completely not. Take a look at what we confirmed in Europe for comparability. The gamers I selected, I’d select once more. What they need to know is that they’re nice gamers. I watched them with all their qualities and I can say that I had a robust nationwide group. Now I’ll watch Rino Gattuso’s choices with curiosity. I want him the perfect of luck.”
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 14: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Marseille, seems on previous to the UEFA Europa League match between Brighton & Hove Albion v Olympique de Marseille at American Specific Neighborhood Stadium on December 14, 2023 in Brighton, England. (Photograph by Bryn Lennon/Getty Pictures)
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And does Spalletti really feel that Gattuso is the proper man to steer Italy into the 2026 World Cup in North America?
“Completely, he’ll make it. I’ve listened to him as a result of he known as me, and we exchanged a few jokes. We respect one another lots, as a result of he’s passionate and is somebody who dedicates numerous time to the work he does. I want him luck.”
Spalletti additionally admitted that he would have preferred to have had Inter expertise Francesco Pio Esposito at his disposal when he was nonetheless in cost.
FERRARA, ITALY – MARCH 26: Francesco Pio Esposito of Italy U21 through the UEFA Under21 EURO Qualifier match between Italy U21 and Turkey U21 at Stadio Paolo Mazza on March 26, 2024 in Ferrara, Italy. (Photograph by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Pictures)
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Requested if there are any younger gamers he would have preferred to have chosen, Spalletti replied: “I did name a few of them, like Leoni. I watched Pio Esposito play and he gave me hope for the long run. My fear is that I didn’t carry anybody in from Serie B. Going again, I’d have known as somebody from the Cadetteria.”
And on Retegui, who has left Atalanta after one 12 months in an effort to be a part of Al-Qadsiah within the Saudi Professional League, Spalletti mentioned: “We’ve got to be open to every thing now, we are able to’t simply throw individuals away, as a result of there aren’t so many gamers who’re capable of be known as up.
“Earlier than, you may select from 500 gamers, now, you select from 50. Giving your self the posh of leaving out gamers who’ve made a person alternative is inconceivable.”