Three managers who can replace Luciano Spalletti as Italy national team head coach

The Azzurri suffered a 3-0 defeat in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Luciano Spalletti confirmed his resignation as head coach of the Italian national team during a pre-match press conference, two days after Italy’s crushing 3-0 loss to Norway in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match of the season.

Additionally, Spalletti had presided over a dreadfully disappointing EURO 2024 campaign that ended in a round of 16 elimination following a drab 2-0 loss to Switzerland.

Spalletti will have the freedom to look for chances elsewhere once his contract termination is finalised.

In the meantime, Italy are currently searching for a new head coach to lead the squad through the increasingly challenging qualifying process and into the 2026 World Cup.

With this, we take a look at three managers who can replace Spalletti as the new Italy head coach.

Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti has announced that he has been sacked. The Italian manager will take charge of Italy’s game vs Moldova tomorrow before his contract is terminated 🚨 pic.twitter.com/5XdYJpH4ue

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 8, 2025

Thiago Motta

Following his sacking last season, Thiago Motta is currently without a job. The former Barcelona player started his managerial career with Bologna, where he led them to Champions League qualification, which cemented his status as a coach in the Italian league and alerted many big clubs.

Juventus witnessed Motta’s managerial acumen and appointed him as their next manager, but things didn’t work out for the 42-year-old following the run of draws and defeats that saw Old Lady part ways with him.

However, Motta is still a talented manager in making and can make amends if given a new job, and now the national team work presents an excellent chance for him to lead them to the 2026 World Cup qualification.

Claudio Ranieri

Claudio Ranieri is prepared to grant his approval after the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) engaged in negotiations to persuade him to take charge of the national team.

Rainieri was AS Roma’s interim head coach for the second half of the 2024–2025 season before taking on a directing role there.

After navigating the turbulent waters at the Italian capital club, the former Leicester City manager led them to a fifth-place finish in Serie A, guaranteeing them a spot in the Europa League the following season.

Even if Ranieri accepts the position with the national team, he is anticipated to continue serving as Roma’s advisor.

Stefano Pioli

Another contender to succeed Luciano Spalletti as Italy’s next manager is Stefano Pioli, a former Serie A champion.

A well-known personality in Italian football, Stefano Pioli, was a successful manager as well as a former player. According to speculations, Pioli may leave the Saudi club to coach the national team.

Pioli has never managed outside of Italy, thus, his appointment to Al-Nassr is his first foray into international club management.

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