Former Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri has rejected the chance to become Italy’s new head coach after they sacked Luciano Spalleti this week.
The 73-year-old, who recently managed Roma but left the role to become an advisor to club owner Dan Friedkin, snubbed his national team as he wasn’t convinced about taking on both roles simultaneously.
He has therefore decided to remain in his role in the Italian capital instead, despite the Italian Federation being open to letting Ranieri take on both jobs.
Friedkin also gave Ranieri the green light to take the prestigious job, but the Italian refused the opportunity.
Claudio Ranieri came out of retirement to manage Roma this year
PA
Ranieri had come out of retirement to help steer Roma away from relegation after their torrid start to the campaign but has since gone back into retirement at the end of the year, instead pursuing the advisory role.
The 73-year-old had previously called it a day in management after guiding Cagliari back to the Serie A in 2024.
Ranieri will always be remembered for his achievements in England, gaining the nickname the ‘tinkerman’ during his spell at Chelsea due to his frequent tactical and player rotations.
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Claudio Ranieri famously led Leicester City to a historic Premier League title in 2016
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However, he is most known for his astonishing Premier League triumph with Leicester City.
Ranieri oversaw the development of the likes of N’Golo Kante, Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez during their historic title win.
Current Italy boss Spalleti, who has coached Napoli, Inter Milan and Roma in Serie A, sensationally announced his own sacking in a pre-match press conference on Sunday, before their 2-0 win over Moldova.
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Prior to that result, the Italian side had lost 3-0 to Norway, which is understood to have been the final nail in Spalletti’s coffin.
"Last night we were very together with president [Gabriele] Gravina,” Spalletti said.
"He told me that I will be relieved of my position as coach of the national team.
"I had no intention of giving up. I would have preferred to stay in my place and continue doing my job. I'll be there against Moldova, then we'll resolve the contract."
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Luciano Spalleti announced his own sacking, but still took charge of Italy's match against Moldova on Monday
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His arrival followed in 2023 Italy's failure to qualify for the Qatar World Cup.
In the 2024 Euros, Italy fell to a dismal 2-0 defeat against Switzerland in the round of 16, and in 2026 World Cup qualification they have faltered and find themselves third in their group.
The 66-year-old left Napoli in 2023 after guiding them to their first Serie A title since 1990.
They went on to achieve the same feat this year, under former Tottenham Hotspur coach Antonio Conte.
After Ranieri’s rejection, the Italian Federation have turned their attention to former AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli.
Pioli, 59, is currently managing Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, but failed to qualify for the AFC Champions League.
Italian coaches Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid and Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi both recently left their roles club roles, however, they quickly moved to Brazil national team and Al-Hilal jobs respectively.
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