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Luciano Spalletti Opens Up on How Football Shattered His World
In the high-stakes arena of international soccer, even seasoned managers like Luciano Spalletti can find themselves grappling with profound personal costs. After his abrupt dismissal from the إيطاليا وطني team, the veteran coach has shared candid insights into the emotional wreckage left behind, revealing how his passion for the game overshadowed everything else in his life. This revelation comes amid ongoing discussions about the pressures faced by top-level coaches, highlighting the often unseen sacrifices behind the glamour of the sport.
- Spalletti confesses that his obsession with soccer destroyed his personal happiness
- The renowned Italian tactician reveals he struggles to shake off persistent regrets
- Former Napoli boss asserts that true insight often demands a heavy toll
The Shocking Exit: Luciano Spalletti’s Turbulent Time with Italy
The 65-year-old tactician faced dismissal from his role as Italy’s head coach back in June, triggered by an unexpected loss to النرويج during the initial phase of كأس العالم qualifiers. His departure was marked by tension, as he preemptively revealed his firing prior to the last fixture against Moldova, firmly stating he had no intention of stepping down voluntarily.
Assuming the position in 2023, Spalletti initially enjoyed success by steering the Azzurri into Euro 2024. Yet, their journey ended prematurely in the knockout stage, compounded by a humiliating 3-0 setback against Norway-the most severe qualifying loss in the team’s recent history-which ultimately sealed his fate. During his tenure, he managed 24 games, securing 12 victories, six ties, and six losses. More than a month after his ousting, Spalletti has now delved into the enduring psychological impact and pondered his missteps.
Reflections on a Career-Defining Setback
During an in-depth discussion with Repubblica, Spalletti illuminated his current mindset, declaring: “Football ruined my life. I loved football more than myself, I sacrificed the people dearest to me for it.”
Haunted by the Norway Debacle
Addressing the pivotal defeat to Norway, the former انتر Milan leader expressed: “It never goes away. It keeps me awake at night, it affects everything, because the thought always comes back to that. Sometimes I feel like I’m happy, but then after a moment that thing comes back to me. I wasn’t able to make the boys understand that I loved them.”
Was Taking the Italy Job Luciano Spalletti’s Biggest Error?
“Was accepting the job a mistake? No. Also because the national team doesn’t ask, the national team calls. You don’t choose whether to accept, there’s no rational reflection to make. When the national team calls, you have to puff yourself out and make yourself fully available… Well, maybe this is one of the concepts we’re losing.”
“My mistake was, at the beginning, to push too hard on this sense of belonging, of identity. Asking to sing the anthem. To have a rallying cry before every practice. I wanted to stimulate that pride I felt, but it was too much. The coach has a fundamental role, he must be able to see, listen, ‘feel’. And get a message across. He must be the influencer of the locker room.”
Looking Ahead: Italy’s Path Under New Leadership
With Gennaro Gattuso now steering the ship, the Azzurri aim to clinch a spot in the 2026 World Cup. The former ميلان star wasn’t the initial pick, as figures like Claudio Ranieri and Stefano Pioli declined invitations from the Italian Football Federation. Recent updates show Italy maintaining a solid position in qualifiers as of mid-2024, with Gattuso implementing a more disciplined approach, drawing from his gritty playing days-much like a captain navigating stormy seas to reach calmer waters.
Contributions from Vittorio Rotondaro.
