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Luciano Spalletti, who led Italy to a last-16 exit at the Euros, was sacked after Norway’s 3-0 thrashing in the opening qualifier on Friday.
Italy’s Davide Frattesi, (center left) and Moldova’s Daniel Dumbravanu vie for the ball. (AP Photo)
Italy secured their first victory in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with a 2-0 win over Moldova on Monday, marking Luciano Spalletti’s final match as Italy’s coach.
Giacomo Raspadori and Andrea Cambiaso scored in each half, placing the Azzurri third in Group I. They trail the leaders, Norway, by nine points and face the risk of missing their third consecutive World Cup. Direct qualification to next year’s finals in the USA, Canada, and Mexico is granted only to the group leader. Despite having played two fewer matches than Norway, Italy’s best chance seems to be finishing second and advancing to the play-offs.
However, Italy missed the last two World Cups after losing in the play-offs and are currently experiencing an identity crisis following their disappointing title defence in last year’s European Championship. Spalletti, who led Italy to a last-16 exit at the Euros, was sacked after Norway’s 3-0 thrashing in the opening qualifier on Friday.
“When you’re the national team coach you have no excuses, it’s you who selects the squad,” Spalletti told public broadcaster Rai. “It’s the coach who has to make the difference and unfortunately I wasn’t able to do that.”
Spalletti’s tenure ended with another lacklustre match in a subdued atmosphere in Reggio Emilia. While Italy secured the necessary three points, they did little to inspire confidence in their future, regardless of who replaces Spalletti.
Claudio Ranieri is reportedly the Italian Football Federation’s preferred candidate to succeed Spalletti and lead Italy towards the World Cup. Although he retired from coaching after a miraculous season with Roma, Ranieri, now 73, works as a consultant for the American owners of his boyhood club. He guided Roma from near Serie A’s relegation zone to fifth place.
Despite his retirement, there is a media campaign urging the man nicknamed “Sir” to come out of retirement once again to take charge of the national team during this challenging period.
With AFP Inputs
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A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you live updates, breaking news, opinions and photos from the wide world of sport. Follow @News18Sports
- Location :
Reggio Emilia (Italy)
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