ROME, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Luciano Spalletti will leave his role as Italy national team head coach, confirming on Sunday that he will step down after Monday's World Cup qualifier against Moldova.
Italy's World Cup hopes are at risk after a poor start to qualifying, with a 3-0 away defeat to Norway on Friday placing the Azzurri fourth in Group I after one game. Norway leads the group with three consecutive wins.
At a press conference ahead of Italy's second qualifier against Moldova, Spalletti disclosed that the decision followed a meeting with the FIGC. According to media attending the event, the 66-year-old emphasized that he would terminate the contract himself rather than have the FIGC relieve him of his duties.
Spalletti replaced Roberto Mancini in August 2023 and reportedly signed a three-year contract through 2026. The Azzurri had a disappointing EURO 2024 campaign, exiting in the round of 16.
All group winners in European qualifying will earn direct World Cup berths, while runners-up will drop into the playoffs. Italy has missed the last two World Cups after setbacks in the playoff rounds. ■
