ISERLOHN: Luciano Spalletti will stay on as Italy coach despite the Azzurri’s humbling elimination from Euro 2024, the country’s football chief said on Sunday.
Italy were dumped out of the Euros at the last 16 stage after being soundly beaten 2-0 by Switzerland in Berlin on Saturday night, but a disastrous title defense has not cost Spalletti his job.
“I’m pragmatic, it’s impossible to resolve problems by abandoning a long-term project or by abandoning the coach and players who have accompanied us in this project,” Gabriele Gravina, head of Italy’s football federation, told reporters.
Italy came into the Euros as reigning champions but flopped in Germany under Spalletti, who replaced Euro 2020 winner Roberto Mancini last summer.
“Spalletti has our faith, he has to have our faith, he needs to get to work, as in 60 days the Nations League begins,” added Gravina.
“We can’t imagine that a (Kylian) Mbappe or Cristiano Ronaldo will suddenly come on the scene, so we need to be patient.”
Spalletti took the Italy job with a huge amount of credit after leading Napoli to a historic Serie A title but has had a dreadful tournament, chopping and changing line-ups and formations and railing at journalists.
The 65-year-old said before the tournament that he would bring the best version of himself into the biggest job of his long and eventful coaching career.
Asked if he had achieved that, Spalletti said: “Obviously not, because if not I would be here talking about something different.”
“The match last night brought us back down to zero, and it’s from there that we need to start again,” said Spalletti.
Italy begin their Nations League campaign against France in Paris on September 6, and also face Belgium and Israel in Group A2.
Spalletti to remain Italy coach despite Euro 2024 humbling
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Spalletti to remain Italy coach despite Euro 2024 humbling
- Italy were dumped out of the Euros at the last 16 stage after being soundly beaten 2-0 by Switzerland in Berlin on Saturday night, but a disastrous title defense has not cost Spalletti his job
Smash GC announces 2026 LIV Golf roster as Harold Varner III joins lineup
- Talor Gooch-led team returns with lineup built for depth and competitiveness as LIV Golf kicks off new season in Riyadh
NEW YORK: Smash GC of the LIV Golf League today announced its official roster for the 2026 season with the addition of Harold Varner III. Varner joins newly minted captain Talor Gooch and returning veterans Jason Kokrak and Graeme McDowell.
The team blends winning pedigree, global experience and a competitive edge, reinforcing the team’s identity as one of LIV Golf’s most battle-tested lineups.
Varner, who made his LIV Golf debut in 2022, brings a mix of global experience and personal drive. He earned his first LIV Golf individual win in 2023 at LIV Golf DC after sinking a hole-out from the bunker for a birdie mid-round to claim a one-stroke victory. He joins Smash GC after a steady performance in 2025 with 4Aces GC, when he finished in the top 10 four times.
“Smash GC is a team that competes with confidence and edge,” Varner said. “I’m excited to join a group that believes in what it’s building and is focused on winning. I’m ready to get to work and contribute meaningfully in 2026.”
Gooch will lead Smash GC in 2026 after being officially named captain last December. One of LIV Golf’s most accomplished and consistent performers, he brings a performance-driven mindset and a deep understanding of team competition. He reunites with Varner after the two played together with RangeGoats GC during 2023, which was both Gooch’s and Varner’s most successful LIV Golf season.
In addition to Varner’s DC win, Gooch won three tournaments and the season-long individual championship. Rounding out the 2026 roster are Kokrak, who has delivered key individual and team performances throughout his LIV Golf tenure, and McDowell, the 2010 US Open champion and longtime Ryder Cup standout who brought steady play to the 2025 season combined with his experience, leadership and competitive instincts.
“Adding Harold to Smash GC is a big move for us, and I couldn’t be more excited to reunite with him in 2026,” Gooch said. “He’s proven he can compete at the highest level and, as captain, I’m excited about how he strengthens our lineup and pushes our standards forward. We’re building a team that expects to contend every week, and Harold is a big part of that.”
Smash GC enters the new season following a 2025 campaign defined by resilience and competitiveness. With strong team performances and consistent individual contributions, the club laid a foundation it now aims to build upon under refreshed leadership and a reinforced roster.
