Spalletti: "The national team? I'll never get over it, but Gattuso will qualify."

Luciano Spalletti, the former Italy coach who was sacked after managing the first two World Cup qualifying matches, spoke to Rai 2, a guest on '#Nonsolomercato', giving his successor Gennaro Gattuso a boost: "We'll qualify."

"What happened with the national team will never get over." These are the bitter words of the Tuscan coach, "How am I coping with this moment? Unfortunately, what happened hasn't gotten over me and will never get over me," Spalletti explained, returning to the national team. "I'm a man who does things based on feelings, not interests. With the national team, I felt like I was in heaven. I gave it my all. I wasn't able to give anything. I'm sorry for having disappointed expectations. I take full responsibility. I chose the players, the Federation supported me. I'm sorry for the fans. I didn't contribute to the growth of the national team. Nothing slips away from me, everything consumes me."

FIGC President Gabriele Gravina, the new Italian national team coach Gennaro Gattuso, and the head of the Italian delegation Gianluigi Buffon pose for a photo after the press conference at the Parco dei Principi Hotel on June 19, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Getty Images)

Italian football is doing well, it's not regressing. I would choose the players I chose again. Sometimes I haven't been lucky because some have gone through periods of less than ideal physical or psychological form, but I consider them to be quality players. I wish Rino Gattuso the best of luck. I believe he will call up the players I called up because of their strength.

“National team qualification? Gattuso will definitely be able to qualify. We've known each other well for a long time, we respect each other. He called me. We're similar: passionate and very dedicated. I'm one of those who say football is simple, but you need ideas and passion. Time is a challenge for anyone who coaches the national team, but one characteristic I recognize in myself is being able to create a harmonious relationship with the team. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to convey the goodwill I wanted to the players. Only through unity can you make a significant leap. You have to make the players feel united and all a little special; that gives you the strength to win. I didn't manage to do that.” And again: “What aspect of a player's personality do I appreciate most? Courage, trying to do something you think is impossible. Going beyond your own capabilities and managing to establish a harmonious relationship with your teammates.”

Which player would have been useful for the national team? I called up Pio Esposito, Leoni... My only regret is not having brought anyone from Serie B. Would I call up Retegui, who went to Arabia? Nowadays you have to be open-minded; you can't rule out players because there aren't many eligible players. Today you can choose from 50, not from 500 like in the past. Even those who have made bizarre choices can't be ruled out.

Luciano Spalletti, coach of the Italian national football team (ANSA)

"Now I'm calm, I'm thinking about other things. We have great coaches in Serie A, I don't look down on anyone, I love everyone. I'll watch the games with an open mind. If any offers come my way, I'll consider them. A return to a club? I'm calm, I'm thinking about other things." Spalletti then explained his current state of mind: "I don't have a great relationship with happiness. I'm happy in my solitude. I love the countryside, my animals, I have fun with my friends. I'm happy with myself. Coaching isn't essential to me now, I have to process and move on from what happened. When I inspire pity, I react immediately."