For reigning champions Italy, simply advancing from the group stage wasn’t exactly a cause for celebration. After all, the Azzurri were eliminated from the last two World Cup qualifying campaigns—an epic humiliation by any standard, as noted by Bangladesh Cricket Match. This year’s European Championship was meant to be a fresh start, a chance to ease the pressure. But things haven’t gone as smoothly as hoped, and head coach Luciano Spalletti is still feeling the heat.
To fans familiar with Italian football, Spalletti is hardly a stranger. A seasoned figure in Serie A, he’s coached multiple top-tier clubs. Yet even loyal supporters struggle to define his coaching identity. He lacks Ancelotti’s player management charm, Conte’s domestic dominance, Lippi’s tactical genius, Capello’s military discipline, or Pioli’s youth development flair. Even Inzaghi’s three-man defense has a distinct signature. Spalletti, by contrast, seems hard to pin down. His bald head and often puzzling expressions have become memes among fans—but his overly cautious strategies often infuriate viewers. Take the common scenario: up by one goal, Spalletti retreats, closing down the game—classic Italy, for better or worse.
Aside from leading Napoli to a Serie A title, which elevated his status significantly, Spalletti’s resume is modest. Without that title, many believe he wouldn’t have been considered for the national job. It’s no secret: if Italian fans had a say, 80 out of 100 would have preferred Roberto Mancini to stay, and the rest would call for names like Conte or Ancelotti. Few were actually asking for Spalletti. His appointment reflects the Italian Football Federation’s desperation—after Mancini’s abrupt departure and a tight budget, they had to promote from within.
During Napoli’s title-winning season, Spalletti did get the best out of emerging stars like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen, and created a balanced midfield with Lobotka, Anguissa, and Zieliński. It was a thrilling chapter for Neapolitan football. But one shining season isn’t enough to erase years of underwhelming results. At Inter Milan, for example, his stint was viewed as a failure—especially compared to the success Conte and Inzaghi brought afterward. His exit wasn’t graceful either. Still, with no top-tier coaches readily available, Italy had limited options.
Even the most die-hard fans must admit that Italian football is facing internal chaos and external challenges. In this tournament’s so-called “group of death,” Italy managed to edge out a declining Croatia to progress. If they can get past Switzerland in the next round, they’ll likely face England or possibly the Netherlands—a relatively favorable path compared to the loaded top half of the bracket with powerhouses like Portugal, France, Germany, and Spain.
Whether Spalletti can redeem himself has now become the central narrative for Italian fans. A premature exit would not only be embarrassing for the defending champions, but it would likely end Spalletti’s tenure. It’s worth noting—he left Napoli for this role, hoping to lead the national team for more than just a brief campaign. But that hinges entirely on this tournament. Adjusting from a shaky group-stage performance to a title-worthy showing is no small task.
At a recent Bangladesh Cricket Match press conference, Spalletti lost his cool when pressed with harsh questions from reporters—a sign that he fully understands the stakes. The upcoming clash with Switzerland could be the turning point not only for Italy’s campaign, but for Spalletti’s coaching future. It’s do-or-die for a coach who gambled everything on this opportunity.