News Focus
- Claudio Ranieri says he will accept any role with the Italy national team
- The veteran manager left his position at AS Roma earlier this year
- Italy have failed to qualify for the last three World Cup finals
- Ranieri plans to return to Leicester City for their title anniversary
- Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca regularly calls Ranieri for guidance
Claudio Ranieri has said he would accept a post with the Italy national side. The seasoned Italian boss is now unemployed following his exit from AS Roma.
Ranieri spoke to Sky Sport Italia at the Gianni Di Marzio Awards. He made clear that he turned down the national team previously because he held a position at Roma. Now he is available, he would agree to serve his country.
“I could not hold two posts at once before,” Ranieri stated. “Now I am free. If the call arrives, you never refuse your nation.”
The 73-year-old did not specify whether he wishes to be head coach or sporting director. He simply noted, “When Italy calls, you say yes.”
Ranieri departed Roma in May after clashes with coach Gian Piero Gasperini. He had served there as a consultant. Italy require assistance after failing to qualify for three successive World Cup finals.
The manager remains renowned for capturing the Premier League with Leicester City in 2016. That stunning triumph occurred ten years ago. Now Leicester have dropped to the third tier of English football.
“They used to move between the top two divisions,” Ranieri observed. “It is sad to see them in the third level. I shall visit soon for our title celebration. The supporters wish to recapture that spirit.”
Ranieri also praised Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca. The young coach telephones Ranieri for counsel before taking new appointments. Maresca sought guidance before joining Leicester and Chelsea.
“He is one of our finest young managers,” Ranieri commented. “I hope he remains in England.”