Gravina: It’s unthinkable to sack Spalletti

F.I.G.C. President Gabriele Gravina has said it is unthinkable to sack Italy coach Luciano Spalletti  months after giving him the job. 

This follows Italy’s elimination from the European Championship after a 2-0 loss to Switzerland in the last 16.

The Italian F.A. president confirmed that the Italian federation have put their trust in Spalletti. Therefore, despite Italy’s exit on Saturday evening, he is expected to stay as head coach of the national team. 

Meanwhile, Gravina is also facing an uncertain future with F.I.G.C. elections scheduled for March 2025. He confirmed there were lengthy discussions with Spalletti after the Switzerland loss on Saturday, saying dismissing the former Napoli manager less than a year after his appointment would be’ unthinkable.’ 

During a press conference, Gravina said that with nothing to hide, the F.A. boss said they must continue to take responsibility, having had a long chat with the coach on Saturday. 

“I think that it is unthinkable to solve the problems by abandoning a multi-year project after eight to nine months. Central to our project is a coach who has been here for nine to 10 months and who has not always had all the players available. Our trust has to work as there is already a new challenge in 60 days’ time, ” Gravina told the media at the beginning of his press conference in Germany on Sunday.

Italy will battle France in the Nations League on September 6. 

Before then, Spalletti will prepare his team for success and World Cup qualification. 

It is hoped that the former Napoli boss will lead the Azzurri to success and fare better than their unimpressive outing in Germany. 

Item is now left for the tactician to get the right players and make Italy the force to reckon with once more in Europe and worldwide.