Luciano Spalletti has been appointed as the new head coach of Italy, the country’s football federation has announced. The former Napoli manager replaces Roberto Mancini, who resigned this week.
Spalletti, 64, last season led Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years, crowning a long club management career that has included spells at Roma, Inter, and a five-year stint with Russian club Zenit St Petersburg. He opted to leave Naples after his moment of glory.
The Italian Football Federation revealed on its website that Spalletti will take up the post from 1 September.
Italy are in England’s Euro 2024 qualifying group and visit Wembley on 17 October. They currently sit third in qualifying Group C, behind England and Ukraine. Spalletti will be charged with qualifying his nation for Euro 2024 in Germany, where they will look to defend their crown after winning the Euro 2020 final at England’s expense under Mancini.
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Mancini left after failing to guide his country for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, surprisingly losing to North Macedonia in a qualifier knockout game.
The Italian Football Federation president, Gabriele Gravina, said: “The national team needed a great coach and I’m very happy that he accepted. His enthusiasm and his expertise will be fundamental for the challenges that await Italy in the coming months.”
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The statement gave no details about Spalletti’s contract.