Luciano Spalletti opens up on Italy dismissal ahead of Juventus move
Luciano Spalletti has spoken publicly for the first time about the profound personal impact of his dismissal as Italy head coach, as he prepares to take charge of Juventus. The 65-year-old was removed from his role with the national team in June 2025 following a 3-0 defeat to Norway, a decision he described as leaving him almost paralysed with disappointment.
In an interview with Sky Sport Italia, Spalletti reflected on the painful nature of his exit and expressed sympathy for his successor, Gennaro Gattuso, who himself was recently let go after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. "I suffered so deeply from that sacking that I was almost paralysed," Spalletti said. "I was incapable of talking about football at that moment, I was hypnotised by the disappointment." He suggested the reaction might have been different had Moise Kean scored a potential second goal in a crucial playoff against Bosnia, a moment that could have altered the narrative entirely.
Spalletti, who has since agreed to return to club management with Juventus, used the platform to propose a radical solution to address Italy's well-documented shortage of young talent. He suggested a rule that would mandate every Serie A team to have one player under the age of 19 on the pitch at all times during matches. "That would oblige every team to have four such players at their disposal," he explained. "That makes 80 young players to accompany and help become stronger." The proposal underscores his longstanding concern for youth development, a theme he is expected to carry into his new role in Turin.
The move to Juventus marks a swift return to the dugout for the experienced coach and a homecoming to one of Italy's most prestigious clubs. His appointment comes with Juventus seeking stability and a clear sporting project after several seasons of transition both on and off the pitch. Spalletti's pedigree, built on successful spells at Roma, Inter Milan, and Napoli where he won the Serie A title, made him a leading candidate for the vacant position.
His comments reveal the lingering emotional toll of the Italy job, a role he held for less than a year, and highlight the intense pressure surrounding the national team's failure to reach a second consecutive World Cup. For Juventus, they are acquiring a manager with a clear vision for systemic change in Italian football, though his immediate focus will be on reviving the Old Lady's fortunes in Serie A and on the European stage. His tenure at the Allianz Stadium will be closely watched as an indicator of whether his ideas can translate into success at club level following a bruising international experience.
