Luciano Spalletti named Italy boss after Roberto Mancini departure

Italy have named former Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti as their new manager following the departure of Roberto Mancini.

It was announced via a statement from the FIGC – Italian Football Federation – this evening.

"The FIGC announces it has reached an agreement with the Tuscan coach, who will take the role from September 1. The official presentation will be held at Coverciano for the training retreat that precedes the matches against North Macedonia and Ukraine."

He is the replacement for Roberto Mancini, who handed in his resignation just under a week ago.

Luciano Spalletti left Napoli by mutual consent on June 30 after winning their first Serie A title in over 30 years.

The club only allowed him to walk away if he signed a seven-page document including a clause set at almost €3m to be paid if he returned to work within a year of the termination.

The FIGC lawyers insist that should count only for clubs who are rivals to Napoli and not to a federation or international role, but President Aurelio De Laurentiis has reiterated it covers the Nazionale as well.

"We welcome Spalletti," said FIGC President Gabriele Gravina as part of the formal statement.

"The Nazionale needed a great coach and I am very happy that he accepted to lead the Azzurri. His enthusiasm and competence will be fundamental for the challenges that await Italy in the next few months."

Spalletti, 64, left Napoli in the summer after guiding the club to their first Serie A title in 33 years.

He had planned to take a year-long sabbatical but has now decided to make a swift return to football.

Former Manchester City manager Mancini, 58, resigned as Italy boss on 13 August.

He led the national team for five years and guided them to victory at Euro 2020 when they beat England on penalties in the final at Wembley.

However, Italy failed to qualify for last year's World Cup.

Luciano Spalletti has had a long career in management, having also had spells in charge of Roma, Inter Milan, and a five-year stint with Russian club Zenit St Petersburg.