Claudio Ranieri has clarified his reasons for declining the opportunity to manage the Italian national team, citing his prior commitment to Roma. He stated, “I cannot handle two roles simultaneously, as it would create too many complications. I extend my best wishes to Gennaro Gattuso.”
Following Luciano Spalletti`s dismissal in June, Ranieri, who had recently steered Roma to a commendable fifth-place finish in Serie A, was initially considered a top candidate to take charge of the struggling national side.
However, Ranieri had already decided to step away from active coaching and transition into a new position as a special advisor to the Friedkin family, assisting them in finding and supporting a new head coach for Roma.
Speaking to TG3, Ranieri commented, “I think it hurts anyone to say no to the Nazionale, but I cannot do two jobs.” He elaborated, “I had a contract with Roma already and, unfortunately, I was therefore unable to accept the proposal from the Federation.”
Ranieri Torn Between Italy and Roma Commitment
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) had reportedly suggested that he could manage both positions concurrently, but Ranieri believed this setup would lead to unavoidable conflicts of interest.
He explained his reasoning: “You need someone in that position who has the freedom to make his decisions and call whoever he wants. There would’ve been too many problems with me there. If a player was used for 90 minutes and then had to play Roma the next weekend… It was just too much.”
Consequently, the role was offered to Gennaro Gattuso, a member of Italy`s 2006 World Cup-winning squad, despite his managerial career being relatively less distinguished.
Ranieri added, “Gattuso has always tried to do well when he has been given the chance. He is someone who knows the Nazionale, fought hard, suffered for this team. I wish him all the best.”
Meanwhile, Roma has commenced its pre-season training under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, who faces the challenge of adapting to a new club culture after a successful nine-year tenure at Atalanta.
Regarding his new role, Ranieri stated, “I am a consultant to the Friedkins and I hope to do my job well. Gasperini has an important job, but slowly everything will fall into place. I didn’t expect this ending to my coaching career, especially as I arrived at Roma during a difficult moment. Thanks to the support and help of everyone, we managed to get things back on track.
He concluded on Roma`s recent season, saying, “There are no regrets about missing out on the Champions League spot, I don’t want to be like the fox that can’t reach the grapes and then says they are bitter. Perhaps it was best it went this way. Facing all those superpowers in the Champions League, we are not ready right now. Hopefully, in a few years, we can aspire to compete at that elite level.”
