Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti mourns mother Ilva, dead at 93

Ilva Spalletti, the mother of Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti, died on Monday 27 July at the age of 93, Italian media reported. She lived in Spicchio-Sovigliana, a hamlet near Empoli in Tuscany, and was a constant presence throughout her son's career from his early days to his current role at the Turin club.

A lifelong bond

Spalletti, 67 and a native of Certaldo, has often spoken of his mother as his guiding figure. He took over at Juventus during the past season, replacing Igor Tudor, and previously led Napoli to a Serie A title and managed the Italian national team. Throughout those years, Ilva remained in the family's home area, a short distance from the club where her son began his playing career. Friends and former teammates recalled the quiet but steady role she played in his life.

The 1970 flag

One of the most cherished stories Spalletti shared publicly came at his presentation as Italy coach in October 2023. He recalled how, as an 11-year-old, he asked his mother to sew a giant Italian flag to celebrate the national team's 4-3 semi-final victory over West Germany at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. The anecdote, first reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, became a symbol of the coach's deep connection to his roots.

At 11 I asked my mum to sew a giant flag. It was the World Cup in Mexico, mums sewed at home and I went to ask mine to make the biggest possible Italian flag to celebrate that fantastic 4-3 against Germany.

He added that he would bring that same flag to the touchline, hoping to revive the dream for a new generation. "Now this fairy tale has happened to me," he said at the time, promising to carry the flag onto the pitch.

Insults at the Franchi

The depth of the bond was also visible during a painful episode in August 2022. While Spalletti was managing Napoli, Fiorentina supporters at the Stadio Artemio Franchi directed insults at his mother throughout the match. After the game, Spalletti said: "They insulted my mother, who is 90, for the whole match." The incident led to a heated exchange with some fans and left the coach visibly upset.

Ilva herself later spoke to the newspaper La Nazione, showing composure and refusing to escalate the matter.

It was an ugly thing regardless and I have no intention of meeting the fan involved. It doesn't matter if they offended us this time, it's not done. Football must remain fun, not foolishness. I understand Luciano's reaction, he felt deeply touched and reacted like that. And to think he was always a Fiorentina fan, he always went to the stadium.

Condolences from the clubs

Juventus was among the first to react, posting on its official channels: "Juventus stands with coach Spalletti and his family for the loss of his dear mother, Ilva." Napoli, the club Spalletti guided to the 2022-23 Scudetto, also issued a statement. President Aurelio De Laurentiis and the entire club expressed "profound sorrow" and solidarity with the coach.