Mal partie dans les éliminatoires de la Coupe du monde 2026, l’Italie a choisi de limoger son sélectionneur.
Luciano Spalletti et les Azzurri, c’est fini. Deux jours après le surprenant revers de l’Italie en Norvège dans le cadre des qualifications au Mondial 2026 (3-0), la fédération transalpine de football a décidé de mettre un terme à sa collaboration avec le stratège de 66 ans.
A la veille de la réception de la Moldavie pour le compte de ces mêmes éliminatoires, le technicien concerné a lui-même annoncé la nouvelle ce dimanche. Luciano Spalletti dirigera alors la Nazionale pour la dernière fois. Successeur d’un Roberto Mancini démissionnaire en septembre 2023, l’ancien coach de la Roma, de l’Inter ou du Napoli affiche un bilan mitigé aux commandes de la sélection italienne: 11 victoires, 5 nuls et 3 défaites. Et un modeste huitième de finale atteint à l’Euro 2024.
« Nous avons parlé hier avec Gabriele Gravina (le président de la Fédération italienne de football, ndlr) et il m’a informé que je serai relevé de mes fonctions d’entraîneur de l’équipe nationale après le match contre la Moldavie. Je n’avais pas l’intention de démissionner. J’aurais préféré rester et faire mon travail. Mais je dois en prendre acte. J’ai toujours interprété ce rôle comme un service rendu au pays et je veux faciliter l’avenir de l’équipe nationale », dixit Luciano Spalletti, manifestement touché ce jour en conférence de presse.
Ranieri pour reprendre les rênes de l’Italie ?
Absente des deux dernières Coupes du monde, en 2018 et 2022, l’Italie ne peut se permettre de manquer une troisième fois consécutive le plus grand événement du ballon rond. Selon la Gazzetta dello Sport, Claudio Ranieri, du haut de ses 73 ans, devrait reprendre le flambeau, lui qui vient d’abandonner le banc de l’AS Rome à Gian Piero Gasperini.
« Il faut gagner demain pour ouvrir au mieux un nouveau cycle avec ceux qui arriveront. Je le dis sans hypocrisie ni jalousie. Avec mes résultats, je sais bien que j’ai créé des problèmes au football italien et j’en suis particulièrement désolé. Je savais que ce serait un défi difficile. Il faut terminer par une belle victoire. Je vais parler aux garçons et leur demander de faire preuve de courage: nous devons aller à la Coupe du monde, même si ce sera compliqué », conclut Luciano Spalletti.
In a surprising turn of events, the Italian national football team has decided to part ways with its manager, Luciano Spalletti, after a disappointing start to the qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup. Following Italy’s unexpected 3-0 defeat against Norway, the Italian Football Federation made the decision to relieve the 66-year-old coach of his duties.
Just one day before Italy was set to face Moldova in another qualifying match, Spalletti personally announced the news in a press conference. He will manage the team for one last time in this pivotal encounter. Having taken over from Roberto Mancini, who resigned in September 2023, Spalletti’s tenure has been fraught with challenges. His win-loss record with the national team stands at 11 wins, 5 draws, and 3 losses, culminating in a mere Round of 16 appearance at the recent Euro 2024.
During the press conference, Spalletti expressed his disappointment, stating, "We spoke yesterday with Gabriele Gravina (the president of the Italian Football Federation), and he informed me that I would be relieved of my duties as the national team’s coach after the match against Moldova. I had no intention of resigning. I would have preferred to stay and do my job. But I must accept this. I have always viewed this role as a service to my country, and I want to help facilitate the future of the national team."
The sentiment was palpable, showing Spalletti’s deep commitment to Italian football. His departure comes at a critical time for the Azzurri, who have endured a tough spell in recent international competitions. After missing the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, Italy can ill afford to miss a third consecutive tournament, making this transition even more pressing.
Potential Successor: Claudio Ranieri?
Amid the search for Spalletti’s replacement, speculation has risen regarding the potential appointment of Claudio Ranieri. At 73 years old, Ranieri is a seasoned figure in Italian football, recently stepping down as manager of AS Roma. Known for his tactical acumen and ability to motivate teams, Ranieri could bring a wealth of experience to the Azzurri.
Reports from Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that Ranieri is poised to take over the reins. His leadership style and prior successes in both club and international football make him a candidate worth considering. Ranieri himself acknowledged the challenges ahead, emphasizing the need for immediate success: "It is essential to win tomorrow to set the right tone for a new cycle with those who will come in. I say this without hypocrisy or envy. I know my results have created problems for Italian football, and I sincerely regret that. I anticipated that this would be a tough challenge."
With the stakes higher than ever, Ranieri is expected to galvanize the players and lead them toward a successful qualification campaign. The Italian national team is hoping for a revival, one that would not only restore its reputation but also secure a place in the world’s most prestigious football tournament.
In the world of football, where passion meets strategic prowess, the road ahead for Italy is riddled with uncertainty, yet filled with hope. As they navigate this transitional phase, the spirit of the nation remains resilient, eager for a return to glory on the global stage.
There are many factors at play that will determine the trajectory of Italian football in the coming months, and both fans and analysts will be keeping a watchful eye on how this new chapter unfolds for the Azzurri.
Despite the trials of recent years, the foundation of Italian football still holds immense potential. With the right leadership and commitment, there is optimism that the Azzurri can reclaim their place among football’s elite. The world awaits to see if this new managerial era will spark a renaissance for one of football’s most storied nations.