Italy not in a good place for successor says sacked Spalletti

Luciano Spalletti took charge of Italy one last time on Monday, and while his side sent him off with a win, the sacked manager accepted that he isnt leaving the team in a great place for his replacement and has failed to improve them.

Spalletti paid the ultimate price for a 3-0 drubbing in Norway on Friday as Italys World Cup qualifying campaign was already compromised in their opening game, and an uninspired 2-0 home win over Moldova was not how he wished to bow out.

Im disappointed with the result, Spalletti said at his final press conference.

I dont give back to those who come after me a great national team because we didnt play a great match tonight either. I was given the opportunity to work, I tried, I made mistakes and I even tried some experiments.

I try to learn everything in whatever I approach, Im not convinced Im the smartest one. I havent been able to get the best out of these players and I have to take note of that.

Spalletti announced his own dismissal on the eve of the Moldova match, which comes after less than two years in the role and included a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign. While he never thought of resigning, he conceded he has failed to improve things.

If you agree to coach the national team like I did, then you have to find the solution. You cant hide behind the fact that you have few players, you start to find alibis, Spalletti said.

I did badly and in some ways it is right that I go home. But I didnt resign, because I think I can do better. But, if I am told that I am no longer the one, then I sign the resolution (of the contract).

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