Claudio Ranieri Set to Answer Italy's SOS Call After Spalletti’s Sacking

Italy’s hopes of making it to the 2026 World Cup have already suffered a massive blow. After a humbling defeat to Norway in their opening qualifier, the pressure finally boiled over. Having already missed the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, the Azzurri simply can’t afford a third straight disaster. The Italian FA has acted swiftly — Luciano Spalletti is out, and Claudio Ranieri could be the man stepping in to steady the ship.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ranieri is edging closer to taking over the national team. Talks are already underway, and the veteran coach is reportedly open to the idea. At the moment, Ranieri holds a behind-the-scenes role at Roma, having guided the club to a respectable fifth-place Serie A finish as interim manager in the second half of the 2024–25 season. That run secured Europa League football for the Giallorossi next season. After stepping down from the dugout, he moved into an advisory position, working closely with Roma’s owners, the Friedkin family. 

And that’s where things get a little tricky. Ranieri would need to step away from that advisor role — or at least significantly scale it back — to take the Italy job. It’s believed that he might continue in a limited advisory capacity even if he does take over the national team, but there’s no final word just yet. 

The 73-year-old played a key part in helping Roma bring in Gian Piero Gasperini as their new head coach — and now he might be heading back into the spotlight himself. Ranieri has enjoyed a storied career spanning over four decades, with memorable spells at clubs like Chelsea, Valencia, and of course, Leicester City — where he masterminded one of football’s greatest fairytales by winning the Premier League in 2016. 

Despite all his experience, Ranieri has only had a brief taste of international management — a short stint with Greece back in 2014 that ended with him guiding the Galanolefki to a respectable Round of 16 finish at the 2014 Brazil World Cup. However, he once said he was done with coaching for good. But the FIGC isn’t looking to build a long-term project right now. They want someone to guide the national team through to the next World Cup in 2026, and that’s exactly what Ranieri is being offered — a contract until the summer of that year. 

Stefano Pioli is another name that’s been floated. Currently managing Al-Nassr, Pioli is also in talks with Fiorentina, who are keen to bring him back to the club on a three-year deal. He’s said to be asking for a similar long-term contract if he were to consider the Italy job — which doesn’t align with what the FIGC wants. They’re after a steady hand, not a rebuild, and that puts Ranieri firmly in pole position. Italy’s next game is a must-win against Moldova on Monday, June 9. After that, they’ll face Estonia and Israel in September. 

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