Ranieri jokes Roma ‘trying to take me to an early grave’ | OneFootball

Claudio Ranieri sees improvement from Artem Dovbyk and wants Roma to end this season ‘without regrets,’ but jokes about missed chances. ‘I told them they’re trying to take me to an early grave!’

The Giallorossi continued their remarkable run of form with a seventh consecutive Serie A victory against Lecce, to stay in the hunt for a Champions League qualifying spot.

They wasted numerous scoring opportunities at the Stadio Via del Mare, and had a Gianluca Mancini goal ruled offside, but Artem Dovbyk struck 10 minutes from time to give them all three points.

“We must always believe to the end. It was a difficult match, but the team was very concentrated from the start,” Ranieri told Sky Sport Italia.

“We wasted two easy goals, then lost a stupid ball in our final third to gift them a chance. It was more hard-fought in the second half, less sharp, but the important thing was to win against a side that is fighting against relegation, which can be some of the toughest fixtures at this stage of the season.”

Dovbyk had been struggling badly earlier this season and had not adapted well to Serie A football, but seems to be finding some form at long last.

“We must ask for more to motivate him, which we do every day. I asked for him to receive the ball like that, because we don’t always give him the right service and if he makes the run too early, he gets caught offside. He’s learning and is a very sensitive guy, so these goals will help him,” explained Ranieri.

Ranieri frustrated by wasteful Roma finishing

LECCE, ITALY – MARCH 29: Claudio Ranieri AS Roma head coach greets Marco Giampaolo Lecce head coach before the Serie A match between Lecce and AS Roma at Stadio Via del Mare on March 29, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

There were also two huge opportunities in the first half when Angelino hit the side-netting of an open goal, while Manu Kone fired at the goalkeeper after his high press won it back inside the penalty area.

“Lecce like to start playing out from the back with the goalkeeper, we saw they struggle against aggressive teams, so I told them to not give them time on the ball. We knew they were strong on crosses and set plays, or in these quick transitions.”

The defence has been rock solid lately, conceding just one goal in that seven-match winning streak, which was scored by Como. Can Roma really aim for the Champions League spots after their disastrous start to the season?

“It is early days. I told the players, we must reach the summer without regrets. We must give our all, never surrender on any ball, there are only eight matches to go and they will all be as difficult as it was today, then we accept the results and see where we are.”

Inevitably, the question came about his future and Ranieri as always laughed it off with jokes about why he needs to go back into retirement.

“I thank you, but I went into the locker room and told the lads, how dare you, you’re trying to take me to an early grave! It’s lucky I had all the cardiac tests!”

The coach said this week that Gian Piero Gasperini and other reported candidates are not going to be the next Roma coach, so could they find another Ranieri type?

“Another Ranieri does not exist! I hope whoever they get is younger!”