The Italian football federation (FIGC) announced on Friday that Luciano Spalletti, who guided Napoli to the Serie A championship last season, has been named coach of the European champions Italy.
Roberto Mancini, who held the position for five years before abruptly stepping down last Sunday, is replaced by Spalletti.
Prior to resigning, Spalletti put an end to Napoli’s 33-year Serie A trophy drought in the previous campaign.
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The FIGC said in a statement they had “reached an agreement with Luciano Spalletti for the position of coach of the Italian national team starting from September 1”.
“Let’s welcome Spalletti,” said FIGC president Gabriele Gravina, “the national team needed a great coach and I am very happy that he accepted the technical guidance of the Azzurri.
“His enthusiasm and his expertise will be fundamental for the challenges that await Italy in the coming months”.
Before the Euro 2024 qualifiers against North Macedonia and Ukraine, Spalletti’s official presentation will take place at the national training facility in Coverciano, close to Florence, according to the FIGC.
The 64-year-old Tuscan will be in charge of revitalising the national team, who, although winning the European championship in 2021, was unable to secure a spot in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup.
On September 9, Italy will visit Northern Macedonia before hosting Ukraine in Milan three days later.
Italy is third in Group C with three points after defeating Malta 2-0 and losing to England 2-1. England is in first place with 12 points from their four games.
Mancini, who had been in command since May 2018, stated the reason for his resignation as “a personal decision” and has been mentioned for the position of Saudi Arabia’s coach.