Italy name ex-Napoli boss Spalletti as Mancini’s replacement

Luciano Spalletti Italy's new manager | Imago

Italy name ex-Napoli boss Spalletti as Mancini’s replacement

Ayoola Kelechi 19:38 - 18.08.2023

Former Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti has been chosen to replace Roberto Mancini as the coach of the Italian national team

Italy have named Luciano Spalletti as manager of the national team, replacing Roberto Mancini, who left the role just five days ago.

Mancini leaves Italy after years of ups and downs

Mancini managed the Azzurri for five years, winning the 2020 European Championships only two years after taking over a side that failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

Roberto Mancini with the Euro 2022 trophy | Imago
Roberto Mancini with the Euro 2022 trophy | Imago

Despite his early success, Italy struggled in Mancini’s latter years, and they ultimately failed to qualify for a second consecutive World Cup during his tenure, losing a playoff to North Macedonia.

Mancini described his decision to resign as a personal one, but the former Inter and Manchester City manager had also been under immense pressure to turn Italy’s fortunes around following the World Cup failure before deciding to quit just days after being appointed coordinator of the national youth teams in addition to being the senior team coach.

Spalletti takes italy role

Mancini’s absence has now opened the door to a unique opportunity for ex-Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti, who left his role at the Partenopei claiming that he needed to take a sabbatical from football.

Spalletti with the Serie A trophy | Imago
Spalletti with the Serie A trophy | Imago

That sabbatical, which was due to last one year, lasted barely four months as Spalletti was handed the reins of the Italian national team following Mancini’s departure.

The 64-year-old manager will hope to emulate the successes that his predecessor achieved and also avoid the pitfalls that Mancini was unable to overcome.

Spalletti will be in charge of the national team until after the 2026 FIFA World Cup according to his contract, and his appointment could force the FIGC to pay Napoli €3 million according to a clause that allowed him leave the Partenopei earlier this summer.

Related content

Tags: