Azzurri boss reveals he will leave after the Moldova game before breaking out of the press conference

Luciano Spalletti was fired as Italian coach, but he will oversee the World Cup qualifiers at Moldova before leaving the post.

Italy has not played in the World Cup since 2014 when he appeared in the group stage in 2014, but has made a horrible start to qualify for the 2026 tournament on Friday.

Azzurri was slammed 3-0 by Norway. They are currently kicking out nine points in UEFA Qualifying Group I. They are six points behind Israel in second place, two games less. Each of the 12 group runner-ups advances to the playoffs.

Facing the humiliating prospect of a possible missed 48-team World Cup, Italy rejected Sparetti after working.

Sparetti revealed the decision during a fiery press conference ahead of Monday’s match against Moldova at Reggio Emilia.

“We spoke last night and they told me I was relieved of my position as the head coach of the national team,” Spalletti said.

“Sorry, given the relationship we have, I wasn’t going to give up.

“I would have preferred to stay and work, especially when things weren’t going well, but if it was exoneration, I have to accept it. I’ve always seen this role as a service to my hometown.

“I think it’s right to find the best. I’m ending my contract. I’ll be there against Moldova tomorrow night. I’ve always been claiming my players are strong.

“I love this shirt, this job, the players I coached. I’ll ask them to give them what they asked, even if they couldn’t show them the best.

“I didn’t want to end up with a good game in other night situations. I’ve always told the boys that I deserve to go to the World Cup. I had complications, but now I was hoping they would show that they were still the right people.”

When asked what he said during a meeting with President Gabriele Gravina of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Sparetti replied:

“A lot of players were exhausted at the end of the season. We weren’t at our best. But they’re mine. Even those who were injured were in a position to be called.”

Sparetti led Italy to the Euro 2024, but their defense of European titles was defeated 2-0 by Switzerland at the past 16 years old.

He won 11 out of 11 out of 23 games, drawing six.

If he changes anything from his time as a coach, Spalletti said: “I don’t know either. I was sure it wouldn’t be a walk in the park, but I was still sure I would reach the World Cup. I’m still sure.

“My world won’t collapse when I lose the game. There’s a place between my vision and acceptance of the outcome, but these are powerful players so they’re way below the level that you need. Thinking about the past is a waste of time. You can’t influence the past.

Spalletti rushes in after being asked if Claudio Ranieri and Stefano Pioli, along with Claudio Ranieri and Stefano Pioli, who are considered candidates for the job, felt betrayed by Gravina, who is tasked with finding a successor.