Luciano Spalletti will continue in his role as Italy’s coach despite the disappointing exit from Euro 2024, as confirmed by the country’s football leader on Sunday.
Sportxparte reports that Italy suffered an early elimination from the ongoing Euro 2024 in Germany following a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland.
This development, however, did not result in Spalletti losing his position.
“I’m pragmatic, it’s impossible to resolve problems by abandoning a long-term project or by abandoning the coach and players who have accompanied us in this project,” Gabriele Gravina, head of Italy’s football federation, told the press in a recent interview.
Italy entered the Euros as the defending champions but under Spalletti, who took over from Euro 2020 winner, Roberto Mancini, last summer, they failed to perform in Germany.
“Spalletti has our faith, he has to have our faith, he needs to get to work, as in 60 days the Nations League begins.
“We can’t imagine that a (Kylian) Mbappe or Cristiano Ronaldo will suddenly come on the scene, so we need to be patient,” added Gravina.
Spalletti assumed the role of Italy’s head coach with significant acclaim following his success in guiding Napoli to a memorable Serie A title.
However, he has struggled during the tournament, constantly altering line-ups and formations and expressing frustration towards journalists.
Before the competition, the 65-year-old coach declared his intention to showcase his utmost capabilities in the most significant role of his extensive coaching career.
Asked if he had achieved that, Spalletti said: “Obviously not, because if not, I would be here talking about something different.
“The match last night brought us back down to zero, and it’s from there that we need to start again.”
Sportxparte reports that Italy begin their Nations League campaign against France in Paris on September 6, and also faces Belgium and Israel in Group A2.
