Italy appointed Luciano Spalletti as the new coach of the national team, who gave the title to Napoli last season. Spalletti took over five days after Roberto Mancini resigned.
Spalletti’s main goal is to secure the European champions’ place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Azzurri, who failed to play in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, are looking forward to returning to the world’s highest level.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) said in a statement that Spalletti will take charge of the national team from September 1. “Welcome to Spalletti,” FIGC president Gabriele Gravina said in a statement. The national team needs a great coach right now. I am very happy that Spalletti has agreed to take charge of the Azzurri.’
The term of Spalletti’s contract has not been specified. However, Italian media claim that Spalletti has been appointed for three years until 2026.
Spalletti will be formally introduced at the national team’s training center in Coverciano, near Florence, ahead of Euro 2024 qualifiers against North Macedonia and Ukraine in early September, FIGC said.
(19 August/MM)