Luciano Spalletti's adventure on the Italian bench has come to an end. A few days before their important World Cup qualifier against Moldova on Monday, rumours of the coach's resignation were becoming more and more insistent.
The 3-0 defeat against Norway seriously complicated the Azzurri's path and jeopardised their participation in the next World Cup. It was a result that sparked heated debate within the country and raised doubts about Spalletti's future. At the pre-Moldova press conference, the coach dispelled all doubts about his future.
"We spoke last night and he (FIGC President Gabriele Gravina) informed me that I'm going to be sacked as national team coach. I was sorry: given the relationship we have, I had no intention of resigning.
"Especially when things aren't going well, I would have preferred to stay and do my job. But then it's a matter of resignation and I have to put it on record," said Spalletti.
"I've always interpreted this role as a service to the country, and I want to facilitate the future of the national team. I think it's right to look for the best, I'm cancelling my contract. I'll be there tomorrow night against Moldova.
"I've always said that my players are strong. The results under my management are the way they are, and I have to take responsibility," he added.
"I love this shirt, this job and the players I've trained. Tomorrow night I'm going to ask them to show what I asked of them, even if I wasn't able to give my best," continued Spalletti.
"What hurt me the most? Not getting the quality of play I wanted. I feel sorry for myself. When I took the job, I knew I was going to have difficult times. I didn't succeed," concluded the coach.
Ranieri and Pioli linked with role
Spalletti, 66, took over from Roberto Mancini as Italy coach in August 2023. In his time as head of the side, the team won 11 times, drew six and lost six.
Two names have popped up on a regular basis as to who would replace him: Claudio Ranieri, 73, most famous for guiding Leicester City to the unlikeliest of Premier League titles in 2016, is one of them. The other is Stefano Pioli, presently the coach of Saudi outfit Al Nassr.
Follow Spalletti's last match in charge of Italy with Flashscore.