Claudio Ranieri turns down Italy job

Claudio Ranieri has rejected the opportunity to become head coach of the Italian national football team.

The news comes after the former Chelsea and Leicester City boss was offered the job following the departure of Luciano Spalletti.

Spalletti was placed in charge of Italy in 2023 and led his team to a disappointing European Championship campaign in 2024 before a 3-0 defeat to Norway over the weekend sealed his fate.

He won just 12 of his 24 matches in charge of the Azzurri and announced details of his own sacking before leading the team to victory against Moldova in his final game.

The search for a replacement is now ongoing with The Italian Federation failing to appoint their first choice for the job.

Now 73, Ranieri most recently enjoyed a hugely successful spell in charge of Roma where he galvanised an underperforming squad to finish fifth in Serie A.

Former Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini will now take over in the Roma dugout with Ranieri stepping into an advisory role at the club.

Ranieri - who famously won the Premier League with Leicester in 2016 - cited his new job with Roma as a reason for rejecting the approach from Italy.

According to reports, the proposal from the Azzurri hierarchy allowed Ranieri to step into the job of national team manager whilst also continuing in his executive position with the Giallorossi.

I thank President Gravina for the opportunity; it’s a great honour but I reflected and decided to remain available to Roma in my new position.

Ranieri said in a statement given to ANSA.

"The Friedkins gave me full support, backing me regardless of any decision I could make about the national team; this decision is mine.”

Italy will now widen their search for a head coach with Stefano Pioli strongly linked to the vacant position.

Pioli is currently in charge of Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr following a successful spell at Milan where he won the club's 19th Serie A title.

William Dobbie

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