Luca Toni backs Ranieri: “He’s the right man for today’s Roma.” | OneFootball

Former Roma and Italy striker Luca Toni was asked to comment on Claudio Ranieri’s return to the capital club.

In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Toni – who worked with Ranieri at Roma in the year that the Giallorossi challenged Inter Milan for the Scudetto in 2009-2010 – spoke fondly of the veteran technician.

“Ranieri will have entered the locker room making light of the situation with a joke. Like: I’m almost retired, don’t make me end up with a bad impression. Claudio is a great psychologist.”

“He’s the right man for today’s Roma,” said Toni.

“The lost Scudetto in 2010? It’s the biggest regret of my career and I think it’s the same for Ranieri. We threw away the match with Sampdoria and that was the end of the dream.”

“I’ll never forget the roar of the Olimpico after my goal against Inter,” he added.

“The support of Roma fans is special and Roma cannot play without the support of the public: with Mourinho many results have come thanks to the always sold out Olimpico. Ditto with De Rossi. And it was the same in our 2010 journey.”

“Ranieri loves Roma and is loved by the fans: his return will bring peace. It would have happened even by recalling De Rossi, but probably something has gone sour with the ownership.”

“Ranieri is the right man in this situation, but he alone will not be enough to climb back up.”

“De Rossi was beloved by everyone, but he didn’t start well and was fired. With Juric, who is totally different from Daniele, the points average was worse.”

“Now Ranieri arrives. We are down to three coaches, in November. Now it’s up to the players to do something more by taking responsibility to get out of this situation. The excuses are over, stop blaming the coaches. Roma has a strong squad, not twelfth place.”

“Dybala’s quality is not up for debate, but he has to be well to lend a hand: in difficult moments the big players have to lead by example, more by chasing opponents than with a shot into the top corner. Soulé is strong, but Roma is not Frosinone: he will also blossom in Giallorossi, patience is needed.”

“De Rossi? The dismissal is an open wound for Daniele, he loves Roma too much. He deserved more time.”

“Hummels? When I played for Bayern, Hummels was a boy and sometimes he trained with us. His career speaks for itself, but trophies don’t go on the pitch. I say this from personal experience. You always have to prove yourself. It will be up to him to convince Ranieri.”

“Champions League? Ranieri has worked miracles, starting with the Premier League won against Leicester, so never say never. But right now the Giallorossi must only think about getting points. Ranieri is intelligent and practical, he will quickly understand the characteristics of the players.”

“Whatever happens, Ranieri’s reputation will not suffer. The fans love him. He will leave Roma with his head held high regardless of what happens.”