Former Italy coach Luciano Spalletti wants ‘time to just accept the ache’ of his dismissal, however compliments Gennaro Gattuso on ‘doing one thing completely different tactically.’
The tactician was employed simply weeks after securing the Scudetto at Napoli, when Roberto Mancini instantly stepped down in September 2023.
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He took the Nazionale to EURO 2024 and was fired in June 2025, after beginning the 2026 World Cup qualifying marketing campaign with a 3-0 defeat in Norway.
Spalletti nonetheless not over Italy dismissal
DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 23: Luciano Spalletti, head coach of Italy appears to be like on throughout the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg Two match between Germany and Italy at Soccer Stadium Dortmund on March 23, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photograph by Stuart Franklin/Getty Photos)
“At this second, my expertise with Italy continues to be hammering in my head,” , when requested if he felt prepared for his subsequent job.
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“I didn’t attempt to overlook it, we’ve to just accept expertise and all that it brings us. It didn’t go the way in which I needed, however I did give it my all. Now I want a little bit time to just accept that ache, then I’ll begin once more.”
Spalletti was knowledgeable of his dismissal after the loss to Norway, however
“If I had not needed to proceed, I’d’ve resigned, however I used to be fired,” he defined.
“I don’t know if it may’ve been carried out in another way. Lots of those that work with the Nazionale stood by me and may consider my behaviour.”
Among the many moments of rigidity across the Italy squad, just for one match in Norway, having beforehand stated he was too outdated.
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“There have been others with me, so you may ask them if I stated the reality or not,” replied the coach.
“I did issues the precise manner, I made the call-ups in settlement with the golf equipment, then in a telephone name I virtually apologised, recognising how properly he had carried out that season in Serie A and the Champions League. I naturally requested him if I had his whole availability, I don’t see why that was an issue.”
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 20: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Italy, reacts throughout the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Italy and Germany at Stadio San Siro on March 20, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photograph by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Photos)
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Now Gattuso is on the helm of the Italy squad and has overseen two hard-fought victories within the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
“Gattuso has carried out very properly, particularly within the second match, the place he needed to do one thing completely different tactically, and he selected very properly. Having two strikers shut collectively proved to be the proper choice, so he deserves congratulations.”
Does Spalletti suppose Italy will qualify for the World Cup this time?
“Italy has to go to the World Cup. I’d’ve thought that even when I had remained. We misplaced some video games, it grew to become tough to cope with a few of these outcomes. I’m happy that the gamers felt themselves liberated, I noticed them say that right here and there. My goal was to have all of them free to play and win.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Coach Gennaro Gattuso of Italy appears to be like on previous to the Nationwide anthems previous to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photograph by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Photos)
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There have been reviews that Spalletti had been supplied jobs within the Saudi Professional League and the Turkish Tremendous Lig, however determined to take a while out.
“I’ve been lucky in my profession with the edges I used to be capable of work with. I’m satisfied one thing can occur, however I received’t go digging round or forcing any developments. It should all be very pure,” concluded the coach.