Luciano Spalletti has been dismissed from his position as Italy's coach, with the manager himself announcing the decision on Sunday following their heavy 3-0 loss to Norway, though he will still lead the team in Monday's match against Moldova.

Spalletti made the announcement during a news conference ahead of the Moldova game, which came after Norway's surprising victory left Italy with a humiliating start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.

"Last night, I met with Italian Football Federation president Gabriele Gravina, and he informed me that I would be relieved of my duties as national team coach," Spalletti stated.

"I had no desire to resign. I would have preferred to continue in my role, but I'll manage the team against Moldova on Monday, and then we'll address the contract details."

Spalletti was removed after less than two years, having succeeded Roberto Mancini and assuming the role in September 2023. Although he guided Italy to Euro 2024, their underwhelming performance there had already intensified scrutiny on him.

Italy entered Euro 2024 as defending champions but, after a win against Albania, suffered a loss to Spain and secured a late draw with Croatia to advance to the round of 16, where they fell 2-0 to Switzerland.

Spalletti's team appeared to rebound during an impressive Nations League campaign, defeating France 3-1 away and losing only once. Italy ultimately finished behind France on goal difference after a home loss in the final group match.

Italy started the year with a 2-1 defeat at San Siro in the Nations League quarterfinal first leg against Germany and trailed 3-0 at halftime in the return leg in Dortmund.

The team managed a comeback to draw the match but failed to reach the semifinals. Against Norway, after falling behind 3-0 at halftime, Italy could not recover.

This defeat has left Spalletti's side facing a tough path to automatic qualification for the next World Cup, especially after missing the previous two tournaments, prompting the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) to take action.

"I was confident we could qualify for the World Cup, and I still believe this national team can achieve it," Spalletti added.

"I cherish this jersey and the players I've coached, and tomorrow night, I'll urge them to give their all."

When asked if he felt betrayed, Spalletti struggled to speak further and left the media room with tears in his eyes.

Earlier on Sunday, FIGC president Gravina commented on the Norway result without directly addressing Spalletti's future.

"We understand wins and losses are part of sports, but it's also about how you lose," Gravina said.

"A loss like that is unacceptable to me personally."

The 66-year-old Spalletti, who previously managed Roma, Zenit St. Petersburg, and Inter Milan, joined the Azzurri after leading Napoli to the Scudetto in 2023, but he couldn't replicate that success with the national team.

Italian media reports indicate that Stefano Pioli, currently at Saudi club Al Nassr and a former Serie A winner with AC Milan, is a leading candidate to replace Spalletti, with Claudio Ranieri also in consideration.

Ranieri, who recently retired for the second time after his tenure at Roma last season, might be persuaded to return at age 73 if offered the Italy job.