Italy’s national football team finds itself at a crossroads following a tense and emotional period marked by the dismissal of coach Luciano Spalletti. The Azzurri secured a 2-0 victory over Moldova on June 9, 2025, in what was Spalletti’s final match in charge, but the win did little to mask the underlying challenges facing the squad as they navigate a difficult path toward qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
The match, held at the Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore in Reggio nell’Emilia, saw goals from Giacomo Raspadori and Andrea Cambiaso, providing a positive note to end Spalletti’s turbulent tenure. However, as Cambiaso candidly admitted to RAI Sport, “We all wanted a good performance. We are the first to know it wasn’t a great game, we wanted to give the coach a better send-off.” The players were visibly affected by the news of Spalletti’s sacking, which had been confirmed just days earlier following a 3-0 defeat to Norway on June 6, 2025.
Spalletti’s dismissal came after a string of disappointing results, including a four-match winless streak that culminated in the heavy loss to Norway. In an emotional press conference on June 8, Spalletti revealed that Italy’s football president, Gabriele Gravina, had informed him of the decision to relieve him of his duties. “I was sorry, I had no intention of giving up, especially when things aren’t going well,” Spalletti said. “I would have preferred to stay in my position and continue to do my job. However, I must then take note... of what the path has been, the results.”
Despite the setback, Spalletti expressed a commitment to the national team’s future, stating, “Since I have interpreted this role as a service to the country, it is my intention to facilitate the future of the national team in every way. Tomorrow evening I will be there to be the coach, then I will terminate the contract.” Gravina praised Spalletti’s dedication and character, describing him as “the most correct person I have met in the world of football” with a “noble soul.” He also criticized the harsh criticism Spalletti endured, calling it “absolutely undeserved.”
The victory over Moldova, while a morale boost, highlighted Italy’s precarious position in Group I of the World Cup qualifiers. Sitting third behind Norway, who lead with 12 points from four games, Italy trails by nine points despite having played two fewer matches. Only the group winner secures direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup, set to take place across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Italy’s best realistic chance now lies in finishing second and securing a place in the play-offs, a route fraught with uncertainty given their recent failures at this stage.
The Azzurri’s recent history has been turbulent, failing to qualify for the last two World Cups and suffering a disappointing early exit at last year’s European Championship. The team’s identity crisis remains a pressing issue, and Monday’s match did little to inspire confidence in a brighter future. Spalletti himself acknowledged the responsibility he bore as coach, telling Rai, “When you’re the national team coach you have no excuses, it’s you who selects the squad. It’s the coach who has to make the difference and unfortunately I wasn’t able to do that.”
As Italy looks ahead, the search for a new head coach is underway. Claudio Ranieri, who recently retired after guiding Roma from near relegation to a fifth-place finish in Serie A, is widely reported as the Italian Football Federation’s preferred candidate to take over. Despite being 73 years old and currently serving as a consultant for Roma’s American owners, Ranieri’s reputation as “Sir” and his previous successes have sparked a media campaign urging him to return to coaching and lead Italy through this challenging period.
Andrea Cambiaso, reflecting on the mood within the squad, described the players as “professionals” who are determined to keep fighting despite the setbacks. “Spalletti is a great coach, has such passion for the sport, and every time a coach is fired, it hurts the players. We feel really sad,” Cambiaso said. He also stressed the team’s resolve, “We’ll give it all we’ve got. The results might be negative, but we really do try to win every game.”
Italy’s road to the World Cup remains fraught with obstacles, but the team’s spirit and commitment to the cause are clear. With a new coach expected to take the reins in September, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the Azzurri can reclaim their status on the international stage or face the disappointment of missing a third consecutive World Cup.
As the dust settles on Spalletti’s departure and the team prepares for the challenges ahead, one thing is certain: the Azzurri are at a pivotal moment in their history, balancing the weight of past failures with the hope of redemption on football’s biggest stage.
