Spalletti Critiques Italy’s Management Changes with Maldini

Luciano Spalletti explained his views on the recent developments in Italian football, specifically addressing Italy's attempts to modernize their structure. After Italy’s recent 2-0 victory over OGC Nice, he commented on the national team’s management changes, stating, "It’s like trying to update a phone that is outdated."

Spalletti’s remarks came in the context of a press conference where he discussed his role at Juventus, emphasizing his perspective on Kerim Alajbegovic's game style. He mentioned the necessity for Italy to evolve but critiqued the decision to rely on outdated strategies. Spalletti noted, "Maldini certainly represented something new, which was absolutely needed," and expressed disappointment that despite efforts to bring in Paolo Maldini as the technical director, the changes did not materialize effectively.

Maldini resigned shortly after taking the role, and Spalletti observed that the administration held onto old practices rather than embracing a thorough transformation. Instead of moving forward with modernization, he described the situation as sticking with an old phone and not updating it.

Spalletti took on the Juventus coaching position in October 2025, following a brief tenure as Italy’s coach, where the national team struggled under Gennaro Gattuso and caretaker Silvio Baldini. Roberto Mancini has since returned to manage the Azzurri.

The coach expressed uncertainty about whether current heads, including Mancini and Claudio Ranieri, can reinvigorate the national squad. He stated, "I can’t know that. Maldini represented going into fourth gear and flying up the road, but instead we’ve gone back into second gear."

Discussions also centered around the new players joining Juventus, including Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain and Alajbegovic from Bayer Leverkusen, raising questions about their fit within the team’s dynamics. Spalletti highlighted the need for specific player profiles to enhance team play, particularly a trequartista and a centre-forward to hold up the ball.