The Italy national team is in disarray just a year out from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the executive board decided to dismiss head coach Luciano Spalletti. Hopes that legendary manager Claudio Ranieri would step in as his replacement were dashed when the veteran coach declined the offer, leaving fans and pundits stunned.
Spalletti had been appointed to succeed Roberto Mancini with the goal of ending Italy’s recent struggles in World Cup qualification. But things didn’t go according to plan. The first major blow came at EURO 2024, where Italy suffered a disappointing Round of 16 exit at the hands of Switzerland in a lackluster performance.
Despite the setback, the Italian Football Federation chose to stick with Spalletti. However, the national team failed to rebuild its standing. Italy missed out on a place in the UEFA Nations League Finals following a loss to Germany, and their World Cup qualifying campaign got off to a disastrous start with a shocking 3–0 defeat to Norway—sealing Spalletti’s fate.
In a press conference held two days after the Norway match, Spalletti confirmed that he had been sacked by president FIGC Gabriele Gravina: “Gravina told me that he has relieved me of my duties as coach of the national team. I had no intention of giving up. Especially when things aren’t going well. Tomorrow I will still be the coach against Moldova, then I will leave. I have to take responsibility.”
Ranieri declines Italy job
Following a 2–0 victory over Moldova, Italy immediately began the search for Spalletti’s successor. Claudio Ranieri, who had stepped down from his coaching role at Cagliari to become an advisor to AS Roma’s ownership group, emerged as the top candidate.
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However, in a surprise twist, Ranieri declined the role. “I’d like to thank president Gravina for the opportunity, a great honor, but I have reflected and decided to remain at Roma’s disposal in my new position completely,” Ranieri said in a statement to Italian news agency ANSA.
“The Friedkins (Roma owners) have given me their full support and backing for whatever decision I have taken regarding the national team, but the decision is mine alone,” he added. Reports suggest that if Ranieri had any intention of returning to the touchline, he would have stayed on as Roma’s head coach.
Who will lead Italy next?
Ranieri’s rejection has left the federation with fewer options than anticipated. Still, with the next international break not scheduled until September, the FIGC has some time to make a thoughtful decision on Italy’s next manager.
According to Fabrizio Romano, former World Cup winner Gennaro Gattuso has emerged as the frontrunner. Gattuso’s most recent managerial stint came with Croatian side Hajduk Split, which ended in June when the club parted ways with him.
Daniele De Rossi, another former Azzurri star, is also believed to be on the shortlist. With just one year left before the 2026 World Cup, Italy must now make a swift but calculated choice to avoid another devastating failure on the world stage.
