Ex-Premier League winner Claudio Ranieri turns down opportunity to become Italy coach | OneFootball

Former Premier League boss Claudio Ranieri has rejected the opportunity to become Italy’s head coach.

The Azzurri are looking to appoint a replacement for Luciano Spalletti, who was sacked after a 3-0 defeat to Norway in their first qualification match for the 2026 World Cup.

Spalletti became the national team coach in 2023, but led them to only 12 victories from 24 games in charge.

The four-time World Cup winners approached Ranieri for the role, but he wants to focus on his current responsibilities at Roma.

He will remain at the club in an executive position above the new manager, Gian Piero Gasperini.

Ranieri became the interim head coach of Roma in November, when the team was 16th in Serie A.

He guided them up the standings, just one point from Champions League qualification in fifth place.

Ranieri said (per The Athletic): “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.”

Ranieri previously managed Cagliari but left his role in May 2024 after guiding them to Serie A promotion in his debut campaign and securing their top-flight status the following season.

The most remarkable feat of his career was winning the Premier League title with Leicester City in 2016 when they finished 10 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal.