With the national side still searching for a new man to take charge after sacking Gian Piero Ventura, the Inter boss is not keen on the gig
Luciano Spalletti has ruled out himself of the running to become Italy's next football head coach and backed Carlo Ancelotti for the role.
The Azzurri are searching for a new man to take charge after Gian Piero Ventura was sacked following the national team's failure to qualify for next year's World Cup in Russia.
Italy will not be present at Russia 2018 World Cup after losing out in a two-legged play-off to Sweden, meaning the four-time world champions will miss an edition of the tournament for the first time since 1958.
The experienced Spalletti is not interested in the national team job at this stage of his managerial career - but he believes Carlo Ancelotti, who is out of work after being sacked by Bayern Munich earlier this season, would be a good choice to fill the vacancy.
"I want and have to work well for Inter," the 58-year-old coach told Inter's official website ahead of Sunday's home Serie A clash against Atalanta.
"For the future, I could see Carlo Ancelotti doing well, he has the charm and experience, while everyone is well known of his work. You need to aim for the best for the team and he is the best.”
While the inquest into Italy's shortcomings will run deeper than just identifying the right candidate to take charge of the team, Luciano Spalletti has warned against making major changes in the aftermath of one disappointing qualification campaign.
“Italy must not hide from the disappointment linked to the national team, on the contrary they need a quick reaction," he said.
"We should not have weaknesses in terms of character. We have to react.
"Italian footballing style has value and there is no need to copy other models. You only need to look at our past history."