Preferred candidate Luciano Spalletti is the new coach of the Italian national soccer team. Naples’ master coach succeeds Roberto Mancini, who surprisingly resigned.
The national football association FIGC confirmed the commitment of the 64-year-old Spalletti on Friday evening (08/18/2023) without naming contract details. Gazzetta dello Sport had previously reported that Spalletti was to be given a three-year contract.
Head of Association Gravina: “National team needed great coach”
“The national team needed a great coach and I am very happy that Luciano Spalletti has now taken over the leadership of the Azzurri,” said head of the association Gabriele Gravina: “His enthusiasm and expertise will be needed for the challenges that await Italy in the coming months be of fundamental importance.”
Spalletti had led SSC Napoli to the 2022/23 championship title, but then gave up his post. Spalletti was the favorite to succeed Mancini right from the start. Nevertheless, according to Italian media reports, there were tough negotiations between the association and Napoli. Napoli apparently demanded a transfer fee of 2.65 million euros for the master coach. This was contractually stipulated if Spalletti should take up a new coaching position in the 2023/2024 season. Now Spalletti should bring the European champion back to the old class.
Mancini departure – probably in the direction of Saudi Arabia
Previously, Mancini surprisingly resigned less than a year before the EURO in Germany (June 14 to July 14, 2024). The 58-year-old, who has been national coach for five years, described the step as a “personal decision”. However, Italian media reported a lucrative offer for Mancini from Saudi Arabia – Mancini is said to pocket more than 120 million euros there for a three-year contract as national coach.
Mancini had led the Squadra Azzurra to the EM triumph in London in 2021. The Italians sensationally missed the World Cup in Qatar 2022 with a defeat in the playoffs against North Macedonia.