Italy, Spalletti exonerated: moved coach abruptly interrupts press conference

Luciano Spalletti abruptly cut short his press conference after announcing his exoneration as head coach of the Italian national team. The coach from Certaldo announced that he had been relieved after talks with Gravina, following the Azzurri’s disastrous away match in Oslo, humiliated by Norway 3-0 and at risk of World Cup qualification.

Spalletti answered a series of questions for about 20 minutes. Then, after denying that he felt betrayed by anyone, visibly moved he abruptly stood up and left the press room.

“I want to close with a good victory, not with the figure of’the other night– he had said earlier-. I will talk to the boys and ask for character: we have to go to the World Cup, even if it will be complicated. We must not believe we are stronger than the others, it is something we have already paid for. For me, they are the right men: I would be happy if the new ct confirmed them, because it would mean that I did not make a mistake in choosing the players”.

“With these results I know that I have created problems for the Italian football movement and I am especially sorry for that. I knew it would be a difficult challenge, but I was convinced that I would be able to qualify for the World Cup. I am disappointed in myself”. The favorites to succeed him are Claudio Ranieri and Stefano Pioli.