Spalletti Brings Large Italian Flag Sewn by His Mother to New National Team Role

At the age of 11, Luciano Spalletti requested his mother to craft a sizable Italian flag in honor of Italy’s 4-3 victory over West Germany in the 1970 World Cup semifinals, a contest often referred to as the “Game of the Century.”

Spalletti announced on Saturday, during his introduction as Italy’s new national coach, that he would be bringing that very flag to the sideline of the national team. “My aim is to inspire this dream in a new generation of young individuals,” he stated.

Spalletti described the experience as one that eludes verbal articulation. The 64-year-old, credited with steering Napoli to a Serie A championship in the previous season, assumed his new role following the unexpected departure of Roberto Mancini last month, who subsequently assumed control of the national team of Saudi Arabia.

Known for his offensive strategies while at Napoli, which received accolades throughout Europe, Spalletti had initially expressed an intention to take a year-long break from soccer. However, he accepted the offer from the Italian Football Federation without hesitation.

The appointment seems suitable for Spalletti, a Tuscan native who resides on a farm just an hour’s drive away from the national team’s training facility in Coverciano, a small area within Florence.

Upon his departure from Napoli, Spalletti had signed an agreement that mandated a 3-million-euro ($3.3 million) payment should he resume employment within one year. Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis insists that this fee is due, a point of contention that the Italian Football Federation disputes, arguing that the national team is not in competition with Napoli. Spalletti expressed optimism that a resolution favorable to both parties would be reached, noting that legal experts are currently engaged in the matter.

Roberto Mancini’s tenure had been marked by both highs and lows, including a European Championship win in 2021 and a failure to qualify for the subsequent World Cup. Gabriele Gravina, the federation president, did not mince words about the bittersweet sentiments regarding Mancini’s exit. Regarding Spalletti, Gravina said, “Luciano is wholly committed to everything he holds dear: his family, his community, his homeland, and the sport of soccer.”

Italy is set to compete against North Macedonia and Ukraine in the European Championship qualifiers on September 9 and 12, respectively. Currently, Italy trails England and Ukraine in Group C with a total of three points from their initial two matches.

In a surprising move, Spalletti excluded former regulars Leonardo Bonucci, Jorginho, Marco Verratti, and Francesco Acerbi from his first squad list. Bonucci recently transferred to Union Berlin, Jorginho has been relegated to a substitute role at Arsenal, Verratti is reportedly leaving Paris Saint-Germain for Saudi Arabia, and Acerbi is recuperating from an injury.

Spalletti emphasized that player selection was contingent on their “commitment and behavior,” explaining that he picks players based on these criteria, rather than their reputation.

For more information, visit AP Soccer.

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More about Luciano Spalletti new national coach of Italy

• Luciano Spalletti’s Coaching Career
• Roberto Mancini’s Exit and New Role
• 1970 World Cup Game of the Century
• Serie A 2022 Championship
• Italian Football Federation Official Announcement
• Legal Aspects of Soccer Transfers and Contracts
• European Championship Qualifiers Schedule
• Napoli’s Serie A Performance