Spalletti Accepts Responsibility for Italy’s Euro 2024 Ouster, Cites Hasty Preparations as Key Issue

On a fateful Saturday, Italy’s quest to retain their European Championship crown crumbled, thwarted by a formidable Swiss team in a 2-0 defeat during the knockout phase.

In a heartfelt admission, Luciano Spalletti shouldered the blame for Italy’s premature Euro 2024 exit. He argued that the scarce preparation time hindered the squad’s performance.

Under Saturday’s somber Berlin sky, the Swiss pair of Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas sealed Italy’s fate. This win suitably earned Switzerland their ticket to the next round.

This elimination marks Italy’s third consecutive last-16 exit in the tournament—Spain defeated Italy in 2016 and Portugal lost to Belgium in 2020.

The loss halted Italy’s undefeated streak in knockout Euro matches since the 2012 final against Spain, a span incorporating three victories and three stalemates.

Appointed in the wake of Roberto Mancini’s departure last September, Spalletti highlighted his recent arrival in response to the loss during the post-match press meet.

“Understanding be sought, this might sound like justification. Other coaches had the helm for 20 to 30 games; I managed only 10 and faced immense pressure to triumph,” he declared.

“Today, the squad’s lack of peak condition was obvious, compounded by key injuries. The Swiss moved ahead fairly,” he conceded.

When probed about his future as Italy’s coach, Spalletti, unwavering, expressed no intent to resign but acknowledged the necessity for change.

Responding with equanimity, he said, “I embrace accountability for this defeat. While the outcomes in two games were acceptable, others, including the recent one against Spain, were disappointing.”

“Following our previous match, I fault myself for not opting for substantial changes in the team,” he added.