Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti confirmed he has been sacked but admitted he wanted to stay in his role – before walking out of a frosty press conference.
Spalletti, 66, sensationally announced his own departure while speaking to reporters ahead of the Azzurri’s World Cup qualifier against Moldova on Monday.
His side suffered a dismal 3-0 defeat by Norway on Friday, bringing his future into question, and he was widely tipped to walk away before the next match.
While the match was only Italy’s first in the group, just one team will automatically qualify for the World Cup and Norway now top the pile on nine points.
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma described the result as ‘not acceptable’ and Spalletti held showdown talks with Italian FA president Gabriele Gravina.
No official announcement on Spalletti’s dismissal was made as of Sunday afternoon – but the manager took matters into his own hands in front of the assembled press.
More to follow.
