Luciano Spalletti Named as New Italy Manager
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The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has announced the appointment of Luciano Spalletti as the new manager of the Italy national team. The 64-year-old former Napoli boss replaces Roberto Mancini, who resigned from his post in August after five years in charge.
Spalletti had planned to take a year-long sabbatical after leaving Napoli in the summer, but has now decided to make a swift return to football and take up the role of Italy manager from 1 September.
FIGC president Gabriele Gravina expressed his delight at the appointment of Spalletti, saying: “The national team needed a great coach and I’m very happy that he accepted.”
Spalletti’s Career
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Spalletti has had a long and successful career in management, having previously been in charge of Roma, Inter Milan, and a five-year stint with Russian club Zenit St Petersburg, as well as guiding Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years last season.
He will now be tasked with leading Italy to success in the upcoming European Championship qualifiers and Nations League matches, as well as attempting to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Mancini’s Success
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Spalletti will be looking to build on the success of his predecessor Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to victory at Euro 2020 when they beat England on penalties in the final at Wembley last year.
However, Mancini was unable to lead Italy to the World Cup last year, with the team failing to qualify for the tournament in Russia after finishing second in their qualifying group behind Spain.
Spalletti’s Challenge
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Spalletti will now be looking to build on Mancini’s success and guide Italy to success in the upcoming European Championship qualifiers and Nations League matches, as well as attempting to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
He will also be looking to bring through a new generation of players and help them develop into world class stars, with the likes of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Nicolo Barella and Federico Chiesa all expected to play key roles for Italy over the next few years.
Conclusion
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Luciano Spalletti is an experienced and successful manager who has achieved success at some of Europe’s top clubs, and he will now be looking to bring that success to the Italy national team and guide them to success in the upcoming European Championship qualifiers and Nations League matches, as well as attempting to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.