Gabriele Gravina Reveals Details of Spalleti’s Exit and Gattuso’s Appointment

Key Takeaways:

• Roberto Mancini made himself available to return as Italy coach following Luciano Spalletti’s departure after the 3-0 defeat by Norway on June 6
• Gennaro Gattuso, originally earmarked for the U21 position, was appointed to lead the Azzurri shortly after Spalletti’s exit
• Luciano Spalletti’s dismissal saw an emotional reaction, with FIGC President Gravina describing it as “the reaction of a true Italian”

Events Leading to Spalletti’s Departure

FIGC President Gabriele Gravina has disclosed new details regarding the recent changes within the Italian national team’s hierarchy, revealing that Roberto Mancini had offered to return as coach after Luciano Spalletti’s sacking. Spalletti’s tenure ended in the wake of a 3-0 defeat to Norway on June 6, after which the federation swiftly appointed Gennaro Gattuso as his successor.

The Appointment of Gennaro Gattuso and Succession Planning

During an interview with Corriere dello Sport, Gravina confirmed that Gattuso was part of long-term federation plans for Italy, regardless of Spalletti’s departure. Specifically, he explained that Gattuso had initially been approached for the Italy U21 coaching position well in advance:

FIGC President Gabriele Gravina confirms that Roberto Mancini had made himself available to return as Italy coach, while Luciano Spalletti had the ‘reaction of a true Italian’ when he announced his dismissal. pic.twitter.com/DNfje8yY7O

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) December 3, 2025

“At Club Italia, the dialogue is constant. In March 2025, we had already contacted Rino [Gattuso] to get him involved,” said the FIGC President. “He would have become the U21 coach. Baldini was also on board, so when we had the chance, we called both of them.”

Roberto Mancini’s Willingness to Return

Gravina acknowledged that Roberto Mancini, who guided Italy to their Euro 2020 triumph but later failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, made himself readily available to replace Spalletti. Mancini had resigned in August 2023, subsequently taking over the Saudi Arabia national team position a few weeks after.

“It’s true, I spoke to him, and he made himself very available,” Gravina confirmed.

The Circumstances of Spalletti’s Exit

Gabriele Gravina clarified the events surrounding Spalletti’s emotional resignation. He noted that, contrary to criticism regarding his absence from the initial announcement, he was present at the UEFA pre-match press conference but was prevented from speaking due to protocol. Gravina described how he and Spalletti planned to announce the termination jointly, but said:

“He broke down at the first question,” concluded Gravina. “He couldn’t contain his outburst of anger, but it was the reaction of a true Italian.”