Bees ready to sting Spurs for £10m to get manager Frank

CLAUDIO RANIERI is the people’s choice to be the next Italy coach - and save the four-time World Cup winners from missing a third consecutive finals.

- By Neil McLeman

Luciano Spalletti yesterday revealed in an emotional press conference he had been sacked following Friday’s humiliating defeat by Norway - but will bizarrely remain in the job for tonight's crucial qualifier against Moldova.

The Azzurri have not appeared at a World Cup since 2014 after losing play-offs to Sweden (2018) and North Macedonia (2022) despite becoming European champions at Wembley in 2021.

But the shambolic 3-0 defeat by Erling Haaland’s side in their opening qualifying match for next summer’s tournament in North America caused panic in Italy.

With Carlo Ancelotti just taking over Brazil’s national side, Ranieri, above, is favourite to bring his experience to the role after moving upstairs at Roma at the end of season.

In a poll on the Gazzetta dello Sport website, 95 percent of voters voted for Ranieri, now 73, who was known as the Tinkerman in his time at Chelsea.

Spalletti fought back tears to reveal his sacking in his pre-match press conference before hosting Moldova. “We spoke last night and they told me I will be relieved of my position as national team head coach,” he said. “I was sorry, I had no intention of giving up. I would have preferred to stay and do my job, especially when things aren’t going well.

“I have always seen this role as a service to the homeland, and I want to help the future of the national team in every Euros, way. So I will terminate my contract after tomorrow evening. I love this shirt, this job and the players that I’ve coached.