Veteran Coach Chooses Club Loyalty Over National Team Role After Spalletti’s Dismissal
In a move that highlights his unwavering professionalism, Claudio Ranieri has declined the opportunity to become Italy’s new head coach, opting instead to focus on his advisory role at AS Roma. The decision comes just days after the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) sacked Luciano Spalletti following a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Norway that left Italy’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in jeopardy.
The 73-year-old Ranieri, who famously led Leicester City to their fairytale Premier League title in 2016, was the FIGC’s first choice to take the reins. Reports suggested he was close to accepting a dual role that would allow him to continue advising Roma while managing the Azzurri. However, after careful consideration, the veteran coach chose to honor his commitment to the Giallorossi.
“It’s a great honor for me to receive that proposal,” Ranieri said, “but I decided to continue with my role at AS Roma as part of the management.” His decision leaves the FIGC scrambling for alternatives after a turbulent period under Spalletti, who won just 10 of his 24 matches in charge.
Ranieri’s loyalty to Roma runs deep – the boyhood fan came out of retirement last season to steady the ship during a crisis before transitioning to his current front-office role. His rejection underscores the challenges facing Italy’s national team, which has struggled since winning Euro 2020, with recent performances raising serious concerns about their direction.
The FIGC must now look elsewhere as they seek to revive a squad that has kept just three clean sheets in their last 24 outings and faces an uphill battle to avoid missing a third consecutive World Cup. For Ranieri, family and club have ultimately taken precedence over country in what may be one of the final chapters of his storied career.
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