Spalletti storms out of press conference after confirming Italy departure

FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 07: Head coach Italy Luciano Spalletti speaks with the media during Italy press conference at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on October 07, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Luciano Spalletti confirmed that he will be leaving his role as head coach of the Italy national team, but did not make it until the end of his press conference on Sunday before storming out in frustration at the line of questioning from reporters.  

Spalletti confirmed that he will be leaving his position as CT of the Italy national team after the World Cup qualifier against Moldova on Monday. 

The CT revealed that he had already been informed that he would be let go, but has decided to terminate his contract after the Moldova match instead. 

The news comes just two days on from a humiliating 3-0 loss away against Norway, which has already complicated the journey to World Cup qualification, leaving Italy nine points off the top of Group I after just one match. 

Here is everything that Spalletti had to say during his eventful pre-match press conference on Sunday. 

Everything Spalletti said during latest Italy press conference 

“We spoke last night and they told me that I will be relieved of my position as national team head coach,” Spalletti said during a pre-match press conference on Sunday, reports via Sky Sport Italia. 

“I was sorry, given the relationship we have, I had no intention of giving up,” he continued. 

“I would have preferred to stay and do my job, especially when things aren’t going well. However, if it’s an exoneration, then I have to accept it. I have always seen this role as a service to the homeland, and I want to help the future of the national team. 

“I think it’s right to look for the best, I will terminate my contract. I’ll be there tomorrow night against Moldova. I have always maintained that my players are strong. The results under my management are what they are and I have to take responsibility.

“I love this shirt, this job and the players that I’ve coached. Tomorrow night I will ask them to give what I’ve asked from them, even if I was not able to get them to show their best.” 

Spalletti’s biggest regrets during Italy tenure

When asked what hurts the most after his decision to leave the Italy head coach job, Spalletti replied: “Not achieving the quality of play I wanted. 

“I knew there would be difficult times when I accepted the job. I didn’t succeed. I noticed that you journalists were kind in your commentary of it. I probably deserved worse. I created problems with my results.” 

Spalletti was then asked if there was anything he would change if he were able to go back in time, to which he replied: “I don’t know either. I was convinced it wouldn’t be a walk in the park, but that I would still make it to the World Cup. I am still convinced of it. That was still my conviction when talking to (Gabriele) Gravina. 

“My world doesn’t collapse when I lose games. There is a position between the vision and accepting the result, but I’m far below the level required because these are strong players. To mull over the past is a waste of time. You can’t affect the past. Now it’s essential to play a game that is worthy of the shirt that we wear.” 

Spalletti on relationship with Italy players and Serie A clubs

Reporters then suggested that Spalletti didn’t always get on with all of his players, to which he responded: “If I didn’t find a relationship, tell me names and surnames, because I have one with everyone. 

“We need to work on the sense of belonging and the joy in playing for the national team.  have always gone for hugs and understanding. I tried to be less obsessive and more ‘friendly’ to the players after the Euros. 

“I didn’t want to end with the situation of the other night, rather with a good game. I have always told the boys that they are the right guys to go to the World Cup. There have been complications, but now I expected a level of awareness and for them to show that they are still the right guys.” 

And what did Spalletti say in his meeting with FIGC President Gabriele Gravina? “I would have continued with this group. There is an assessment to be made about how we got to these games. Many players were worn out at the end of the season, we weren’t in the best shape. But, they are my players. Even those who had injuries were in a position to be called up.” 

Spalletti was also asked about his relationships with Serie A clubs during his time in charge of the national team. 

He replied: “I knew I always had the utmost availability and understanding when I spoke to managers. I don’t remember having any particular problems. From my point of view, I thought I wou;dn’t do too much harm and took precautions to release those who were not in a condition to play. 

“If one comes with a problem, one looks and listens to the doctor. If one then uses it as a ploy to not come to the national team, it would be a good idea to not come back to the Azzurri again. But you trust and create relationships out of trust, which are fundamental.” 

Spalletti was then asked if he felt betrayed, and was asked what state he is leaving the team in, at which point a visibly tired and frustrated head coach got up and left his press conference.