Sandro Tonali stunned as boss admits he has been sacked – Extraordinary press conference | OneFootball

A quite bizarre press conference, as Luciano Spalletti left Sandro Tonali and his international teammates stunned.

The Italy boss revealing that he has been sacked.

Spalletti announcing the news at the pre-match press conference ahead of Monday’s World Cup group qualifier against Moldova.

The sacking comes after Italy’s first World Cup group qualifier, a 3-0 defeat against Norway on Friday.

Due to Nations League matches, this was Italy’s first group match as they attempt to get to the 2026 World Cup finals, having failed to reach the last two. Whereas Norway made it three wins in three group games, in the five team group.

Only the winners of each European qualifying group are guaranteed a place at the 2026 finals.

Sandro Tonali and his Italian teammates set to face Moldova at home on Monday.

says he has been sacked as Italy head coach ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Luciano Spalletti speaking on Sunday at the pre-match press conference:

“I spoke with Gabriele Gravina [Italian Football Federation president] last night and he informed me I will be relieved of my duties as national team coach.

“I am disappointed.

“I had no intention of stepping down.

“Especially when things are not going well…I would have preferred to stay and do my job.

“However, it is a dismissal, I have to accept it.”

Luciano Spalletti took charge of Italy in August 2023, replacing Roberto Mancini.

This is the June 2025 international schedule for Newcastle United players:

Thursday 5 June

Ecuador 0 Brazil 0

Bruno Guimaraes was one of Brazil’s better players in this dour World Cup group qualifier, Ancelotti’s first game in charge. In the Goal ratings only Marquinhos (8/10) getting a higher rating than Bruno Guimaraes (7/10). A match of minimal chances at either end and when Vinicius Junior set up the best opportunity of the game for Casemiro, it was a feeble effort from the Man U player. A win would have seen Brazil pretty much sure of qualifying but a point means a little more work to do to make sure.

Friday 6 June

Norway 3 Italy 0

Sandro Tonali and his teammates had a night to forget in this World Cup group qualifier. Three goals down by the break, the home side cruised to this big victory. Only the group winners automatically qualify and Italy already under pressure, as Norway have nine points from the first three of the eight group games they each have to play.

Saturday 7 June

Andorra 0 England 1

A woeful match as England struggled to a 1-0 win in this World Cup group qualifier against woeful opposition, Harty Kane scoring from a few yards out. Dan Burn played the whole game and had minimal defending to do, Andorra with no shots on target and not a single corner, the Newcastle defender with the most passes of any player on the pitch and when giving it to midfielders and attacking players, very rarely they were willing to take any attacking responsibility and just gave the ball back to Burn, sideways and backwards. Anthony Gordon came on in the 81st minute and looked sharp, willing to run at the opposition.

Monday 9 June

Italy v Moldova (Sandro Tonali) World Cup group qualifier

Tuesday 10 June

England v Senegal (Anthony Gordon, Dan Burn) Friendly