Ranieri: Rejecting Italy offer ‘my decision’ | OneFootball

Claudio Ranieri thanks FIGC President Gabriele Gravina for the opportunity to coach the Italy national team: ‘The Friedkins gave me full support, this decision is mine.’

Claudio Ranieri has rejected the chance to become the new Italy national team coach, replacing Luciano Spalletti.

Ranieri is currently working as an advisor to Roma owners after a six-month spell as the Giallorossi coach and would have continued covering the same role also as the National team coach.

Ranieri explains Italy refusal

epa12073558 Roma’s coach Claudio Ranieri gestures during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina, in Rome, Italy, 04 May 2025. EPA-EFE/ANGELO CARCONI

The 73-year-old explained his decision with a brief statement released to ANSA.

“I thank President Gravina for the opportunity; it’s a great honour. However, I have reflected and decided to remain fully committed to my new role at Roma,” Ranieri said.

“The Friedkins gave me full support, backing me regardless of any decision I could make about the national team; this decision is mine.”

ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 20: Claudio Ranieri, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between AS Roma and FC Porto at Stadio Olimpico on February 20, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Spalletti was sacked before a World Cup qualifying match against Moldova, but still led the team on Monday night, securing a 2-0 win in Reggio Emilia.

The ex-Azzurri boss won 12 games from 24, drew six and lost as many.

The Italian Federation remains on the lookout for a new coach to replace Spalletti, and ex-Milan boss Pioli appears to be among their primary options after Ranieri’s refusal.

What Spalletti said after last game as Italy coach

REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 9: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy gestures during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“I live with difficulties, I have done so my whole life. When someone tries to show pity for me, I feel like headbutting them, I react to that every time

“I admit that I am not leaving behind a great Italy squad to my successor, because tonight again it was not a very good performance. I was given the opportunity to work. I tried, I made mistakes, and I staged some experiments. In whatever I do, I try to learn, I am not convinced that I know more than anyone else.”