Luciano Spalletti does not have to pay for Italy's European Championship fiasco with his dismissal. President Gabriele Gravina of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) maintains confidence in the 65-year-old national coach.
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We had a long conversation with the coach yesterday (after the loss to Switzerland in the round of 16, ed.).
It is unthinkable to solve our problems by ending what is a multi-year operation after only eight or nine months, Gravina said during a press conference on Sunday. "Our vision extends beyond immediate results. We believe in the foundations we are building for the future of Italian football."
Italy collected four points in the group stage, which proved sufficient for a second-place finish behind Spain. Despite the disappointment of the early exit, Gravina emphasized the importance of continuity and stability. "Central to this project is a coach who hasn't been here very long and who hasn't always had all his players available," Gravina noted. "Luciano Spalletti has shown his dedication and capability under challenging circumstances, and we trust his long-term plan for the team."
Spalletti's contract still has two years remaining, highlighting the federation's commitment to giving him time to implement his strategies fully. "We need to support our coach and give him the resources and time needed to bring out the best in our squad," Gravina added.
The 2021 European Championship winner will be back in action on September 6th against France in the Nations League. This match will be an opportunity for Italy to begin the next phase of their development under Spalletti's guidance, aiming to rebuild confidence and cohesion within the team. "We look forward to seeing how the team evolves and improves with Spalletti at the helm," Gravina concluded.
