The Azzurri suffered a dismal 3-0 defeat to Norway in Oslo on Saturday (AEST) in what represented its first game of qualifying in the UEFA section.

Spalletti remarkably broke the news of his dismissal at a fiery press conference, which the 66-year-old later stormed out of, as Italy prepares to welcome Moldova in Reggia Emilia.

He said: "Last night we were very together with president [Gabriele] Gravina. He told me that I will be relieved of my position as coach of the national team.

"I had no intention of giving up. I would have preferred to stay in my place and continue doing my job. I'll be there tomorrow evening against Moldova, then we'll resolve the contract."

His dismissal was later confirmed by Italy's national team on social media in a short statement that read: "Italy versus Moldova will be Luciano Spalletti's last game as Azzurri head coach."

Spalletti was appointed as the successor to Roberto Mancini after his surprise resignation in August 2023.

He had earlier that year led Napoli to its first Serie A title since 1990, having enjoyed previous coaching spells with the likes of Roma and Inter Milan.

However, Spalletti oversaw a hugely disappointing UEFA EURO 2024 campaign with Italy's defence of the trophy ending at the Round of 16 stage to Switzerland after it scraped through the group phase.

"I'll be there tomorrow night against Moldova," Spalletti added. "These are the results under my management and I have to take responsibility.

"I love this shirt, this job and the players I've coached. Tomorrow night I'll ask them to demonstrate what I asked even if I haven't been able to get them to express their best."