Claudio Ranieri, former coach of Roma and other Serie A clubs, declined the proposal on Tuesday to become Italy's national team coach in place of the recently dismissed Luciano Spalletti. The coach decided to continue as an advisor for the Roman team.
"I thank President (of the Italian Football Federation) Gabriele Gravina for the opportunity, a great honor, but I've reflected and decided to remain at Roma's full disposal in my new position," Ranieri told the Ansa agency.
The coach added: "The Friedkins (Roma's owners) have given me all their support and backing for any decision I might make regarding the national team, but the decision is mine alone."
Ranieri agradeció el llamado, pero decidió quedarse en la Roma
After Spalletti's surprising departure announced on Sunday, Gravina considered Ranieri, 73 years old, as a possible replacement. The coach had left Roma's bench after an outstanding comeback in the final stretch of the season to take on a management role at the club.
Meanwhile, Spallettisaid goodbye on Monday with a narrow 2-0 victory over Moldova, which failed to dispel doubts about the Italian national team's performance. The team is currently fourth in Group I, which it also shares with Norway, Israel, and Estonia, with three points from two matches in the Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
For now, Italian media point to Stefano Pioli as the main candidate to take the position. The former Milan coach is expected to terminate his contract with Al Nassr of Cristiano Ronaldo, recently crowned champion of the Nations League, at the end of July.
Pioli sería el principal candidato para reemplazar a Spalletti
