An Italian professional football manager and former player, Claudio Ranieri, has declined the chance to become the next head coach of the Italian national team following Luciano Spalletti’s departure.
The 73-year-old experienced coach, who recently had a successful brief tenure at AS Roma, has chosen to remain in an executive role with the club instead of returning to international management.
Ranieri’s choice comes after Spalletti announced on Sunday that he had been dismissed as Italy’s manager. The former Napoli coach stated he had been “sacked” just days after Italy’s 3-0 loss to Norway in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign—a result that marked a disappointing start for the Azzurri after their lacklustre Euro 2024 performance.
Spalletti assumed leadership of the national team in August 2023, taking over from Roberto Mancini. His appointment was initially welcomed with optimism, especially after he led Napoli to their first Scudetto in over thirty years during the 2022–23 season.
However, his tenure with the national squad was marked by turbulence. Italy achieved 11 victories in 23 matches under his management, but their Euro 2024 campaign ended disappointingly, as they were eliminated in the round of 16 after a 2-0 loss to Switzerland.
Ranieri’s Executive Role at Roma
Following Spalletti’s exit, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) considered Ranieri a top candidate for the role. Renowned for his extensive managerial background and skill in stabilizing struggling teams, Ranieri would have been taking on the 25th position in a distinguished career spanning five decades.
Nevertheless, despite the honour and significance of the role, the former Leicester City manager opted to stay with Roma. Ranieri returned to Roma in November 2024 as a caretaker while the club was in 16th place in Serie A.
His appointment was initially perceived as a short-term solution to halt a significant decline in performance, but his influence was both swift and substantial. Under his guidance, Roma experienced an impressive revival, ultimately finishing fifth with just one point shy of Champions League qualification.
Impressed by his extensive experience, Roma’s ownership group, the Friedkin family, extended a long-term executive position to Ranieri, allowing him to oversee football operations in addition to the new head coach, Gian Piero Gasperini. Although the FIGC’s offer led to some contemplation, Ranieri ultimately chose to remain loyal to the club in the capital.
Appreciation of The Opportunity to Coach the National Team
In a statement to the Italian news agency ANSA, Ranieri conveyed his appreciation for the opportunity while reiterating his dedication to Roma.
“I’d like to thank President Gabriele Gravina for the opportunity, a great honour, but I have reflected and decided to remain at Roma’s disposal in my new position completely.
“The Friedkins have given me their full support and backing for whatever decision I have taken regarding the national team, but the decision is mine alone.”
Claudio Ranieri
Ranieri is most famously linked to one of football’s greatest underdog stories; Leicester City’s astonishing Premier League victory in the 2015–16 season. This remarkable title win, achieved against all odds, transformed his reputation from a respected strategist to a legendary figure globally.
Over his managerial career, Ranieri has built a varied and impressive CV. He has managed teams in Italy, Spain, France, and England, with significant roles at Napoli, Fiorentina, Valencia, Chelsea, Juventus, Inter Milan, Roma, Monaco, and Watford. On the international stage, he also had a short tenure with the Greek national team.
His achievements include the Coppa Italia with Fiorentina, the Copa del Rey and UEFA Super Cup with Valencia, and notably, the Premier League title with Leicester. Despite his international career, Ranieri has frequently expressed a deep emotional bond with Roma, the club from his hometown, where he also had a brief playing career.
With Ranieri choosing to stay in a strategic position at Roma, the FIGC would have to look for other candidates to lead the Italian national team that is currently undergoing significant changes.
The incoming manager(yet to be appointed) will take over a squad that requires clear guidance, as securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup has become an urgent priority following the poor start experienced under Spalletti’s management.
It must be noted that Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup. If they fail to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, that would be the third consecutive World Cup they would not participate in.
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