Claudio Ranieri has turned down the opportunity to become Italy’s new head coach, choosing instead to stay with AS Roma.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) approached Ranieri to replace Luciano Spalletti, who resigned following Italy’s 3-0 defeat to Norway on Friday. Spalletti’s final match in charge was last night’s 2-0 victory over Moldova.
Ranieri, who took charge of Roma in November, orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, guiding the team from 16th to fifth place in Serie A and achieving the best record in the league during that period.
As part of his contract when succeeding Ivan Juric at the Stadio Olimpico, Ranieri agreed to transition into a senior advisory role at Roma at the end of the season. He has decided to honor this commitment rather than accept the national team role.
“I would like to thank President Gabriele Gravina for the offer—it is a great honor,” Ranieri said in a statement to ANSA. “After careful consideration, I have decided to fully dedicate myself to my upcoming position at Roma.”
Ranieri also acknowledged the full support of Roma’s owners, the Friedkin family, who have respected his decision, emphasizing that the choice was entirely his.
Roma have since appointed former Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini to work alongside the 73-year-old Ranieri as they strive to secure a spot in the Champions League.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that the FIGC’s next target is Stefano Pioli. The former AC Milan coach, who led the Rossoneri to the Serie A title in 2022 before moving to Al-Nassr, is also being courted by Fiorentina, making the race to secure his signature a pressing concern for the federation.
