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Luciano Spalletti

Luciano Spalletti is an Italian football coach and former midfielder, born in Certaldo, Tuscany, in 1959.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Luciano Spalletti is an Italian football coach and former midfielder, born in Certaldo, Tuscany, in 1959. He became known for successful spells with clubs including Roma, Zenit Saint Petersburg and Napoli, and for winning the Serie A title with Napoli in 2022–23. He also served as head coach of the Italy national team from 2023 to 2025.

Early life and playing career

Luciano Spalletti was born in Certaldo, Tuscany, in 1959. He played as a midfielder for several Italian clubs in the lower divisions before turning to coaching.

Managerial career

Spalletti started coaching at Empoli in 1993 and later worked for clubs including Udinese, Roma, Zenit Saint Petersburg, Inter Milan and Napoli. His career is marked by successful domestic league and cup campaigns in Italy and Russia.

Napoli and Italy

His most prominent recent club success came with Napoli, whom he led to the 2022–23 Serie A title. He was then appointed head coach of the Italy national team in 2023 and departed in 2025.

Honours

Spalletti has won major domestic honours in Italy and Russia, including league titles, cup competitions and super cups. His honours include the Serie A title with Napoli and multiple trophies with Roma and Zenit.

Key facts

  • Luciano Spalletti is an Italian football coach and former midfielder born in Certaldo, Tuscany, in 1959.
  • He won two consecutive Coppa Italia titles with Roma in 2007 and 2008, along with a Supercoppa Italiana in 2007.
  • At Zenit Saint Petersburg, he won league titles in 2010 and 2012 and a Russian Cup in 2010.
  • He coached Napoli to the Serie A championship in the 2022–23 season, ending the club’s long title drought.
  • He became head coach of the Italy national team in 2023 and left the role in 2025.
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Canadian context

No major direct Canadian connection is established in the provided sources; he is mainly relevant to Canadian readers as a prominent international football manager.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Luciano Spalletti?
He is an Italian football coach and former midfielder best known for managing clubs such as Roma, Zenit Saint Petersburg and Napoli.
When was Luciano Spalletti born?
He was born on 7 March 1959 in Certaldo, Tuscany, Italy.
What is Luciano Spalletti best known for?
He is best known for winning the 2022–23 Serie A title with Napoli and for successful coaching spells with Roma and Zenit Saint Petersburg.
Did Luciano Spalletti coach the Italy national team?
Yes. He was head coach of Italy from 2023 to 2025.
What trophies did he win with Roma?
He won two Coppa Italia titles and one Supercoppa Italiana with Roma.
What trophies did he win with Zenit Saint Petersburg?
He won two Russian Premier League titles, one Russian Cup and one Russian Super Cup with Zenit.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luciano_Spalletti
    Supports: Career timeline, clubs coached, Napoli Serie A title, Zenit honours, Roma honours
  2. Treccani — https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/luciano-spalletti/
    Supports: Birth details, playing position, coaching career, honours, Italy national team role
  3. UEFA — https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0246-0e9d8c1d6c09-4b7ff4e6ea27-1000--luciano-spalletti/
    Supports: Date of birth, nationality, playing career, coaching career