In a dramatic turn of events following Italy's elimination from the Nations League by Germany, national coach Luciano Spalletti found himself embroiled in a prank that escalated quickly, involving several players and the notorious Italian television show 'Le Iene'. The prank was designed to play on the emotions of those not called up for the match, but the fallout was far from funny for Spalletti and one particularly furious player.
The story begins with Italy’s disappointing exit, losing to Germany in a quarter-final match on March 23, 2025. Just days before, the team faced a challenging situation, with key players sidelined due to injuries. To lift the spirits of those left off the squad, comedians Sebastian Gazzarrini and Giovanni Fortunato, alongside renowned impersonator Edoardo Mecca, concocted a scheme to enlist players back into the fold, albeit through a humorous lens. They took it upon themselves to impersonate Spalletti, making calls under the guise of issuing unexpected invitations to Dortmund.
Among the targeted players were prominent names such as Ciro Immobile, Davide Calabria, Jorginho, Mattia Perin, and Lorenzo Pellegrini. The prank began with spontaneous good humor, as many players fell for the act. Immobile, for instance, answered his call by expressing enthusiasm to play, stating, "I would be happy to help in the locker room. I would drop everything and come!" He even acknowledged, when prompted, that he was aware he was not as good as other players like Moise Kean, remarking, "Absolutely", illustrating his loyalty to the national team despite his humble recognition of his skills.
Calabria also replied to the prank enthusiastically, despite recently suffering from an illness, while Jorginho jokingly expressed his eagerness to join even if it meant running the length of the field slower than his competitors. In a similar fashion, Armando Izzo was keen, stating, "For me, it would be an honor, even if I don’t get to play." These reactions illustrated the camaraderie and passion players have for representing their country, even if through an elaborate prank.
However, the light-hearted atmosphere took a sharp turn. One player, identified only as a former Inter striker, reportedly expressed genuine anger upon realizing it was a gag. Refusing to participate in what he deemed unacceptable, the unnamed player warned the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) about the prank. His contempt was evident as he stated, "I want nothing to do with you guys anymore," which prompted swift action from the Federation.
Upon learning of the situation, Luciano Spalletti was less than amused. He composedly called the prankster Mecca, clearly upset, demanding, "We’re giving this number to the police because you're calling players and telling them nonsense!" After the prank was revealed, Spalletti quickly ended the call, stating, "I don’t care who you are; you’re calling players and saying bullshit." This abrupt end highlighted the coach's outrage not just for the prank but for the potential disruption it could cause to team morale during a critical time.
During the fallout of this prank, Spalletti's anger resonated with the media, raising questions about the appropriateness of using impersonation as comedy at such a sensitive time. Still, the prank resonates as a reflection on the pressure players feel to perform and the hope that accompanies national team selections.
The incident also sparked a rapid response from clubs, with Monza president Adriano Galliani humorously offering his players to help Italy cope with injury shortages, a light-hearted moment amidst the drama. He remarked on the increasingly dire player situation by sarcastically referencing a chocolate pudding’s cause of injuries as the emergence of possibly more mundane issues at play in football today.
Overall, while many laughed off the prank as harmless fun, it served as a reminder of the high stakes involved in national selections and the intense emotions surrounding football culture in Italy. The fallout from this episode illustrates the fine line between humor and provocation in sports, where sometimes a lighthearted joke can quickly turn to controversy.
As reactions continue to pour in, it remains to be seen how this will affect the morale of the squad going forward, particularly as they regroup after a disappointing tournament. Awareness and conduct towards one another—both on and off the pitch—will undoubtedly be scrutinized in this current climate.
