In a surprising turn of events, the majority of Italian fans at the Mapei Stadium expressed their dissatisfaction with coach Luciano Spalletti prior to the start of a crucial World Cup qualifying match against Moldova. This reaction came as Spalletti prepared for his final game at the helm of the national team.
The match, held at the Reggio Emilia stadium, marked Italy`s first home game in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The 66-year-old Spalletti had announced his departure on the eve of the match, following his dismissal by the Italian Football Federation.
A Challenging Farewell for Spalletti
The atmosphere at the Mapei Stadium was tense as Spalletti faced a cold reception from the fans. When the team lineups were announced before kickoff, the coach was met with boos from a significant portion of the crowd. This stark contrast was evident as the players received warm applause, highlighting the fans` specific dissatisfaction with Spalletti.
Italy`s Managerial Shake-up
The decision to replace Spalletti came after Italy`s disappointing 3-0 loss to Norway in their opening World Cup qualifier. This defeat prompted FIGC President Gabriele Gravina to take immediate action. The federation is now reportedly in talks with Claudio Ranieri as a potential successor, despite his current commitments as an advisor to Roma.
Spalletti`s tenure with the national team concludes after 24 matches, during which he achieved 11 victories, suffered 6 defeats, and drew 6 games. As he prepares for his final match, the mixed legacy of his time as Italy`s coach is evident in the contrasting reactions from fans and officials alike.