Italy, Luciano Spalletti exonerated: "Disappointed, now reaction of'pride"

Luciano Spalletti has been relieved of his role as technical commissioner of the Italian national team. Rumors about the Certaldo coach’s farewell, which had been circulating throughout Sunday morning, were confirmed by the person concerned in a press conference on the eve of the European qualifying match against Moldovia.

“On Saturday night I spent quite a bit’with the president and he informed me that I will be relieved of my duties as coach of the national team. I was sorry, then given the relationship we have I had no intention of quitting. I especially when things are not going well prefer to stay in my place, to continue doing my job. But then exoneration it is and I have to take note of it. With Gravina I have a very good relationship and I have to take note of it”.

Spalletti will direct the Azzurri one last time on Monday night: “With Gravina I have a very good relationship and I have to take note of that. Some negative results came out and it is right to look for the best all together. I will make the termination of the contract, since the results are like this I have to take the responsibility I have, I have received from the Federation all the support I can”.

Now Spalletti wants a reaction of pride: “I love this jersey, the players I have coached, and tomorrow night I will ask them to show everything they have. I have not been able to get them to be the best of what they are, I have seen a lot of footballers underachieving for what their chances are”.

The favorites for his succession are Claudio Ranieri and Stefano Pioli.