Ranieri declines invitation to manage Italy's national team | OneFootball

After a humiliating 3-0 loss to Norway in their first World Cup qualifier last Friday, Italy gave Luciano Spalletti the boot.

Spalletti broke the news himself on Sunday, but still managed Italy’s 2-0 win over Moldova on Monday.

Following the sacking of Spaletti, the Italian national team is seeking a new manager to avoid the embarrassment of missing out on a third consecutive World Cup.

Claudio Ranieri, who guided Roma to a solid fifth-place finish in Serie A last term and now holds a senior advisory role at the club, was linked with the job, but he refused.

"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," Ranieri told the ANSA news agency, reaffirming his recent retirement from coaching and dedication to his consultancy role at Roma, the club he managed last season.

"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." he added.