Italy coach Luciano Spalletti, who can notoriously become passive-aggressive when the adrenaline is high and he loses his cool, has apologised to a journalist after a rant at a post-match news conference.

Even with his track record, few expected a reaction like the one witnessed after the Azzurri’s 1-1 draw — thanks to 98th-minute equaliser from Mattia Zaccagni — with Croatia on Monday.

When asked in the news conference whether he was “scared” after Italy went a goal down, he said: “If I was scared, I wouldn’t be coaching, I’d buy a ticket and sit with you in the stands. I can afford it and even if I couldn’t I have enough friends who can get me in.”

But what seemed really over the top was his answer when asked whether he and the players had made a “pact” over how to approach the Croatia game.

“Pact? Who told you that? Who told you that I speak to my players about such things? Whoever leaks stuff like this from inside… the pact is against us” he said. “I know what’s going on here.”

Turning to the journalist who asked the question, he added; “How old are you? 51? Well, if you j— off every day for another 14 years maybe you’ll know as much as me.”

Spalletti called the reporter a few hours later, at 2 a.m, to apologise for his behavour.