epa11726490 Italy’s head coach Luciano Spalletti reacts during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Italy and France at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan, Italy, 17 November 2024. EPA-EFE/DANIEL DAL ZENNARO
The majority of Italy fans at the Mapei Stadium booed coach Luciano Spalletti ahead of the kick-off of a World Cup qualifying match against Moldova.
Italy host Moldova at the Reggio Emilia stadium this evening in the first home game of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
You can follow live updates on the Football Italia Liveblog.
It’s Spalletti’s last game as Italy national team coach as the 66-year-old announced on the eve of the match that he had been sacked.
Tough welcome for Spalletti
The majority of fans at the Mepei didn’t give the coach a warm welcome as Spalletti was booed when the line-ups were announced before kick-off.
The reception for the players was very different, as all of them were greeted with applause.
Spalletti sacked by Italy
The Azzurri lost their opening World Cup qualifying match against Norway 3-0 on Friday, prompting FIGC President Gabriele Gravina to sack Spalletti.
The Italian Federation is now working to bring Claudio Ranieri, even if the 73-year-old is already committed to Roma as an advisor to the owners.
This is Spalletti’s 24th game in charge of Italy. He has won 11 matches, lost six, and drawn as many.
Spalletti was booed by most Italy fans at the Mapei Stadium when line-ups were announced. #Italy #Azzurri @footballitalia
— Lorenzo Bettoni (@LoreBetto) June 9, 2025
Image:Getty
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