Italy name Osimhen’s former boss Spalletti as new coach of national team
Luciano Spalletti will be the new head coach of Italy’s national team, the country’s football federation said on Friday, replacing Roberto Mancini who resigned on Aug 13.
Spalletti, 64, led Napoli last season to its first Serie A title in 33 years, crowning a long club management career that has included spells at AS Roma, Inter Milan, and a five-year stint with Russian club Zenit St Petersburg.
The Italian Football Federation said on its website that Spalletti would take up the post from Sept. 1.
“The national team needed a great coach and I’m very happy that he accepted,” federation president Gabriele Gravina said.
“His enthusiasm and his expertise will be fundamental for the challenges that await Italy in the coming months.”
Spalletti will be the national side’s ninth coach this century.
His debut match in charge will be Italy’s 2024 European Championship qualifier in North Macedonia on Sept. 9, and the Azzurri will then host Ukraine three days later.
Italy are currently third in Group C on three points from two matches, trailing Ukraine on six points from three games. England lead the group with 12 points after four matches.
