EPA10835406 Luciano Palletti (R), head coach of Italian national soccer team, and Gabriele Gravina, chairman of the Italian Football Federation, will attend a press conference at Caucciano, Florence, Italy on September 2, 2023. EPA-EFE/CLAUDIO GIOVANNINI
FIGC President Gabriele Gravina claims that the attack on Luciano Spalletti is “unfair” and that he claims he is always talking to the boss of Azzurri.
Italy is under extreme pressure after a 3-0 defeat against Norway on Friday.
Gravina admitted at the Serie A Festival on Sunday that Azuri’s latest loss was “unacceptable,” but at the same time he defended Azuri’s boss and rejected the issue of the dressing room.
Gravina: “There’s no cleft” between Italian athletes and Sparetti
“The importance of the match was fully understood. Otherwise, we’ll have to ask a variety of questions,” Gravina said via Gazzetta.
“We lost many players who worked with us on this road. I don’t think there’s a lack of sense of belonging. The Azzurri jersey is more than just a colour. It’s heritage and history. You don’t wear it with your body.
Several sources claim that Gravina is scheduled to have a meeting with Spalletti on Tuesday, but debates between them are already underway.
“I spoke to the player and Sparetti, and there’s no cleft. There’s a deep pain and I’m getting closer to the problem with intellectual integrity,” said the FIGC president.
Gravina: People are already celebrating Italian funerals.”
“I’ve already heard these negative comments from people celebrating our funeral. It was the first of eight matches. Don’t feel sorry for yourself or use this moment as an opportunity to promote criticism. It’s not worthy of our football. Believe in this project, we can’t imagine Italy without the World Cup.
“Unfair attacks on Sparetti, extraordinary people, noble souls, saddened me. He is one of the best people I have met. These attacks are unfair and I say it with a heavy heart. He needs people like him. He is a true gentleman.
“We can’t find someone to be responsible for. That’s the wrong approach to life.”
Gravina’s words seem to suggest that he will not plunder Spalletti, but could the Celtaldo-born coach resign instead?
Gravina protects Spalletti
“I can’t say it. I need to find the best way to bounce off tomorrow night, and then I look back at how to approach the rest of the match and play with a knife between my teeth,” Gravina said.
“There are no meetings scheduled for Tuesday, but there is continuous communication. I will talk again today. He is very thoughtful and responsible.”
Claudio Ranieri is one of the potential candidates to replace Spalletti.
“I send him a big hug, but this is not the time for names. It’s time to face reality and respect the current head coach,” Gravina concluded.
Italy will be on the pitch again tomorrow, Monday, June 9th, 2025, against Moldova.
Azzurri will need to win the group to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Finishing as runner-up will simply give you a playoff spot.
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