Gravina defends Italy coach Spalletti from ‘unfair attacks’

epa10835406 Italy’s national soccer team head coach Luciano Spalletti (R) and President of the Italian Football Federation Gabriele Gravina attend a press conference in Coverciano in Florence, Italy, 02 September 2023. EPA-EFE/CLAUDIO GIOVANNINI

FIGC President Gabriele Gravina insists that attacks on Luciano Spalletti are ‘unfair’ and claims he’s constantly talking to the Azzurri boss: ‘We need to find the best way to bounce back.’

Italy are under extreme pressure after a 3-0 loss against Norway on Friday.

Gravina spoke during the Serie A Festival on Sunday, admitting that the Azzurri’s latest loss was ‘unacceptable’, but at the same time, he defended the Azzurri boss and denied dressing room issues.

Gravina: ‘No rift’ between Italy players and Spalletti

“The importance of the match was fully understood. Otherwise, we’d need to start asking different questions,” Gravina said via Gazzetta.

“We’ve lost many players who had been working with us on this path. I don’t think there’s a lack of sense of belonging. The Azzurri jersey isn’t just a colour. It’s a legacy and history. You don’t wear it with your body, but with your soul. Players must honour the jersey; nowadays, people often look for excuses to create a comfort zone.”

Multiple sources claim that Gravina has scheduled a meeting with Spalletti on Tuesday, but the discussion between them is already ongoing.

“I’ve spoken with the players and Spalletti, and there is no rift. There’s deep pain, and we are approaching the issue with intellectual honesty,” said the FIGC President.

Gravina: People ‘already celebrating Italy’s funeral’

“I’ve heard such negative comments from people who are already celebrating our funeral. That was only the first of eight matches. Let’s not feel sorry for ourselves or use this moment as a possibilità to fuel criticism. That’s not worthy of our football. I believe in this project, and I cannot imagine Italy without the World Cup again.

“The unfair attacks on Spalletti, an extraordinary person and a noble soul, sadden me. He’s one of the finest people I’ve met. These attacks are unjustified, and I say it with a heavy heart. He’s good for football, and football needs people like him. He’s a true gentleman. I spoke with him for a long time in the past hours. I found him combative, as always, but also hurt. He sees his role as a service to Italy.

“We can’t just look for someone to blame; that’s the wrong approach in life.”

Gravina’s words seem to suggest that he won’t sack Spalletti, but could the Certaldo-born coach resign instead?

Gravina defends Spalletti

“I can’t say. We need to find the best way to bounce back starting tomorrow night, and then we’ll reflect on how to approach the remaining matches, playing them with a knife between our teeth,” said Gravina.

“There is no meeting scheduled for Tuesday, but there is ongoing communication. We’ll talk again today. He’s very thoughtful and responsible.”

Claudio Ranieri is among the possible candidates to replace Spalletti.

“I send him a big hug, but this is not the time for names; it’s the time to face reality and respect our current head coach,” Gravina concluded.

Italy will take to the pitch again tomorrow, Monday, June 9, 2025, against Moldova.

The Azzurri must win the group to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, as finishing as runners-up will only give them a spot in the playoffs.