Luciano Spalletti takes the reins as Italy's new national team head coach

Luciano Spalletti has been announced as the new head coach of the Italian National Team, stepping in after Roberto Mancini's departure.

The appointment, confirmed by the Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio (FIGC), will take effect from the 1st of September 2023.

Spalletti's formal introduction will coincide with the team's gathering in early September at the Coverciano Federal Training Centre, ahead of their fixtures against North Macedonia and Ukraine.

FIGC President, Gabriele Gravina, expressed his delight, stating, “We welcome Spalletti. The National Team needed a great coach and I am very happy that he has accepted leadership of the Azzurri. His enthusiasm and expertise will be crucial for the challenges that await Italy in the coming months.”

Luciano Spalletti boasts an impressive resume in football management. After a playing career spanning from 1982 to 1993, his managerial journey began at Empoli in 1993.

Subsequent tenures in Italian football saw him clinch two consecutive Coppa Italia titles during his time with Roma.

His success extended beyond Italian shores, as he claimed two Russian Premier League titles with Zenit St. Petersburg between 2009 and 2014.

More recently, Spalletti led Napoli to a Serie A title in the 2022-23 season, though he parted ways with the club in June 2023.