With Claudi Ranieri turning down the opportunity to be the new Italy boss, BBC Sport look at the challenges facing whoever succeeds Luciano Spalletti.

Claudio Ranieri has turned down the opportunity to succeed Luciano Spalletti as Italy head coach. Spalletti said on Sunday he had been sacked as head coach ahead of the 2026 World Cup, after a 3-0 defeat to Norway on Friday — their first qualification match for the tournament.

After a humiliating 3-0 loss to Norway in their first World Cup qualifier last Friday, Italy gave Luciano Spalletti the boot.Spalletti broke the news himself on Sunday, but still managed Italy’s

It's clear after Italy's humbling at Euro 2024 that Luciano Spalletti wasn't the right man for the job and finally, after some dire performances, they've made the right choice in moving on.

Luciano Spalletti took charge of Italy one last time on Monday, and while his side sent him off with a win, the sacked manager accepted that he isn't leaving the team in a great place for his replacement and has failed to improve them.

Luciano Spalletti held his final press conference as Italy coach, admitting the media was ‘too kind’ and that he wishes his successor well, but also sees systemic problems. ‘I left the

Italy claimed a 2-0 win over Moldova in Luciano Spalletti's final game as the men's national team coach. Spalletti said at a news conference on Sunday that Monday's World Cup qualifier would be his last match in charge.

Sacked Italy manager Luciano Spalletti bowed out with a victory after his side laboured to an uninspired 2-0 home win over Moldova in their World Cup qualification match on Monday thanks to goals from Giacomo Raspadori and Andrea Cambiaso.

Italy got off the mark in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with Monday's 2-0 win over Moldova, Luciano Spalletti's last game as Italy coach.Spalletti, who presided over a dismal last-16 exit at the Euros,