Ranieri on retirement: ‘I want to see what is beyond football’ | OneFootball

Claudio Ranieri ‘would bet on Juventus’ finishing in the top four after today’s 1-1 draw with Roma, but reiterates he will retire this summer. ‘Before I die, I want to see what is out there beyond football.’

The Giallorossi knew that their run of seven consecutive victories was going to be tough to keep going, especially after Manuel Locatelli’s volley broke the deadlock and ended the streak of three straight clean sheets.

However, Ranieri’s change to a 4-4-2 proved inspired, as Eldor Shomurodov came on at half-time and within three minutes had equalised from close range.

“We knew that Tudor would bring his mentality, determination and grit, so Juventus would be pushing forward with vertical passing. They didn’t surprise us, they just did it really well. Juventus are a great team and I would bet on them finishing in the top four,” Ranieri told DAZN.

“This is football, once we settled down and started getting out heads above the water, they scored the opening goal. We had created chances before that, but it was good that we equalised straight after the restart.

“Once you realise that you cannot win, it is important not to lose, so we got organised and took home the point.”

Next week is the Derby della Capitale against rivals Lazio, which becomes more than just a local showdown, but also a potentially decisive result in the race for European qualification.

“I told the lads, we are going into the final straight now. We could’ve risked a false start with defeat today, or got off to a fast sprint with a victory, but we’re off the line and that’s what matters,” explained Ranieri.

“We know the derby is a wonderful, immense match that you only comment on afterwards, hoping all the fans can enjoy themselves, and that there will be a quality game of football.”

Ranieri refuses to put off retirement any longer

epa12014545 Roma’s coach Claudio Ranieri reacts during the Italian Serie A soccer match AS Roma vs Juventus FC at Olimpico stadium in Rome, Italy, 06 April 2025. EPA-EFE/ANGELO CARCONI

Ranieri has said repeatedly he only came out of retirement to help save his beloved Roma, but has absolutely no intention of extending that beyond the end of the season.

When his former Juventus player Gigi Buffon in the DAZN studio asked why he would take a step back when doing so well, the response was with his trademark humour.

“I had already stopped last year, then some teams made me offers, but I said I could only get back on the pitch for Roma or Cagliari. I also hoped it wouldn’t happen, because if they called me then it would mean they were going through a rough time,” explained the coach.

“When unfortunately Daniele De Rossi left, I thought I could stay calm with Ivan Juric in charge. I have been travelling the world for 35 years, yet I never get time to really see it. Before I die, I want to see what is out there beyond football. I think that’s fair.

“Big Ben is ticking on, and it says time is up.”