Former Osimhen’s coach replaces Roberto Mancini as Gli Azzurri coach

After coaching Napoli to a Scudetto and Osimhen to the Capocannoniere, Luciano Spalletti is set to take charge of the European Champions.

Former Napoli boss, Luciano Spalletti, has been appointed to be the new coach of Italy's men national team, replacing former Manchester City boss, Roberto Mancini, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 64-year-old enjoyed a successful season with Napoli as he led the team to their first Scudetto in over thirty years at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, and shocked the fans and football neutrals worldwide when he mentioned he wouldn't continue with the Partenopei and announced that he would take a long sabbatical from football after what was their most successful season in years, which saw his players, Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia picking up different awards in the League respectfully.

The coach has surprisingly made a U-turn to football, after former Italy boss, Roberto Mancini announced his resignation form the National team just five days ago, leaving the space vacant, and Spalletti has now been announced as the man to take over the reins for Italy.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Spalletti's contract will run through till July 2026, meaning he will coach the team through the Euro 2024 tournament and possibly the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States of America.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) said Spalletti would take charge from the start of next month.

“We welcome Spalletti. The national team needed a great coach and I'm very happy that he accepted,” FIGC president Gabriele Gravina said.

Gravina added; “His enthusiasm and his expertise will be fundamental for the challenges that await Italy in the coming months.”

Spalletti will be in charge of his first game for Italy when they play against North Macedonia in the Euro 2024 qualifiers on September 9, 2023.