The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/italy/">Italy</a> national team is in disarray just a year out from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the executive board decided to dismiss head coach Luciano Spalletti. Hopes that legendary manager <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/claudio-ranieri/">Claudio Ranieri</a> would step in as his replacement were dashed when the veteran coach declined the offer, leaving fans and pundits stunned.



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/luciano-spalletti/">Spalletti</a> had been appointed to succeed Roberto Mancini with the goal of ending Italy’s recent struggles in World Cup qualification. But things didn’t go according to plan. The first major blow came at EURO 2024, where Italy suffered a disappointing Round of 16 exit at the hands of Switzerland in a lackluster performance.



Despite the setback, the Italian Football Federation chose to stick with Spalletti. However, the national team failed to rebuild its standing. Italy missed out on a place in the UEFA Nations League Finals following a loss to Germany, and their World Cup qualifying campaign got off to a disastrous start with a shocking 3–0 defeat to Norway—sealing Spalletti’s fate.



In a press conference held two days after the Norway match, Spalletti confirmed that he had been sacked by president FIGC Gabriele Gravina: “Gravina told me that he has relieved me of my duties as coach of the national team. I had no intention of giving up. Especially when things aren’t going well. Tomorrow I will still be the coach against Moldova, then I will leave. I have to take responsibility.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250610_WST_573967_luciano-spalletti-italy-1200x675_b5711845.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-573987" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/10165731/luciano-spalletti-italy-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/10165731/luciano-spalletti-italy-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/10165731/luciano-spalletti-italy-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/10165731/luciano-spalletti-italy-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/10165731/luciano-spalletti-italy-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/10165731/luciano-spalletti-italy-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/10165731/luciano-spalletti-italy-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/10165731/luciano-spalletti-italy.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Ranieri declines Italy job</h2>



Following a 2–0 victory over Moldova, Italy immediately began the search for Spalletti’s successor. Claudio Ranieri, who had stepped down from his coaching role at Cagliari to become an advisor to AS Roma’s ownership group, emerged as the top candidate.


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However, in a surprise twist, Ranieri declined the role. “I’d like to thank president Gravina for the opportunity, a great honor, but I have reflected and decided to remain at Roma’s disposal in my new position completely,” Ranieri said in a statement to Italian news agency ANSA.



“The Friedkins (Roma owners) have given me their full support and backing for whatever decision I have taken regarding the national team, but the decision is mine alone,” he added. Reports suggest that if Ranieri had any intention of returning to the touchline, he would have stayed on as Roma’s head coach.



<h2>Who will lead Italy next?</h2>



Ranieri’s rejection has left the federation with fewer options than anticipated. Still, with the next international break not scheduled until September, the FIGC has some time to make a thoughtful decision on Italy’s next manager.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250610_WST_573967_gennaro-gattuso-italy-1200x675_6eac2f05.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-573986" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/10165711/gennaro-gattuso-italy-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/10165711/gennaro-gattuso-italy-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/10165711/gennaro-gattuso-italy-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/10165711/gennaro-gattuso-italy-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/10165711/gennaro-gattuso-italy-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/10165711/gennaro-gattuso-italy-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/10165711/gennaro-gattuso-italy-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/10165711/gennaro-gattuso-italy.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



According to Fabrizio Romano, former World Cup winner Gennaro Gattuso has emerged as the frontrunner. Gattuso’s most recent managerial stint came with Croatian side Hajduk Split, which ended in June when the club parted ways with him.



Daniele De Rossi, another former Azzurri star, is also believed to be on the shortlist. With just one year left before the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup/">2026 World Cup</a>, Italy must now make a swift but calculated choice to avoid another devastating failure on the world stage.

Italy in turmoil for 2026 World Cup as Claudio Ranieri rejects coach role after Spalletti’s dismissal

Italy in turmoil for 2026 World Cup as Claudio Ranieri rejects coach role after Spalletti’s dismissal - World Soccer Talk

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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/paulo-dybala">Paulo Dybala</a>, the Argentinian star currently playing for AS Roma, is once again attracting significant interest from abroad, with Turkish giants <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/galatasaray">Galatasaray</a> reportedly keen on securing his services. This comes just six months after a similar approach from Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, back in Italy, Roma is keeping a watchful eye on the situation.



According to Italian publication Corriere della Sera, Galatasaray’s interest stems from the serious knee injury suffered by <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/mauro-icardi">Mauro Icardi</a>. The Istanbul-based club, which has long admired Dybala, is reportedly planning to make a substantial offer in the region of €10 million annually.



The compensation AS Roma would receive hinges on Dybala’s contractual status. His current contract expires in June 2025, but it automatically extends until 2026 if he makes seven more appearances. This means Galatasaray could attempt a free transfer in mid-2025 or offer minimal compensation in January, given the contract’s impending expiration. 



However, reports from Italy suggest that Dybala himself is not keen on a January departure, unless Roma decides to sell him. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/roma">AS Roma</a> manager Claudio Ranieri addressed the situation, stating to Sport Media Set: “I like having Dybala in Rome, but if the player has other priorities and doesn’t want to stay, it’s good to comply with his wishes. To date, I haven’t sensed that desire.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20241218_WST_544684_Claudio-Ranieri-1200x675_26c02b6e.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-544688" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/18083235/Claudio-Ranieri-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/18083235/Claudio-Ranieri-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/18083235/Claudio-Ranieri-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/18083235/Claudio-Ranieri-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/18083235/Claudio-Ranieri-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/18083235/Claudio-Ranieri-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/18083235/Claudio-Ranieri-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/18083235/Claudio-Ranieri.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>The Boca Juniors whispers</h2>



Adding another layer of intrigue to the situation is the recent speculation surrounding a potential return to Argentina for Dybala. These rumors were sparked by comments from Oriana Sabatini, Dybala’s wife, who playfully revealed that Leandro Paredes has been suggesting both he and Dybala return to play for Boca Juniors. 



“Leandro Paredes started to plant the idea of both of us returning. I want to return to Argentina, but I’m not ready for family drama,” she said, adding, “If his friend wants me to go to Boca, I’ll go with his friend.”



While Sabatini’s comments, albeit lighthearted, ignited excitement among Boca Juniors fans, the club’s vice-president, Juan Román Riquelme, quickly downplayed the speculation regarding Dybala. He confirmed ongoing talks with Paredes but emphasized that, for now, their focus remains solely on the midfielder: “You hear things… Dybala? He’s been Italy’s star for ten years… Paredes? He’s my friend, I love him, I adore him. I talk to him often, and he’s keen to play abroad for a bit longer. He knows that whenever he wants to return, we have the trust to talk. But I can’t go out every second and say ‘this no, that no’. I adore him and I hope we can have him at the club.”

Is Paulo Dybala on his way to Galatasaray? Ranieri's statement could signal a departure

Galatasaray pursues Paulo Dybala: Ranieri's comment seems to open the exit door - World Soccer Talk

Galatasaray targets Paulo Dybala as Ranieri's words hint at possible exit

Galatasaray pursues Paulo Dybala: Ranieri's comment seems to open the exit door

AS Roma is on its second manager, but it is already making headway into feeling out the chance of hiring Claudio Ranieri. Currently, Ivan Juric is leading Roma, a role he has held since mid-September. Juric took over as the manager of Roma after Daniele De Rossi after three draws and one loss. The replacement manager led <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/roma-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Roma</a> to back-to-back wins in his first two games in the dugout. However, Roma quickly returned to its poor form, and it has one point from three games in October. Now, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/de-rossi-comeback-big-possibility-for-roma-as-juric-faces-sack/">manager carousel</a> could take another turn.



According to <a href="https://www.giallorossi.net/ultima-ora-rete-sport-roma-contatti-nella-notte-con-claudio-ranieri/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a> out of Italy, Roma is plotting another switch as Juric faces mounting pressure. The leading candidate early on is none other than Claudio Ranieri. The Italian manager, who is currently enjoying retirement at the age of 73, has been out of work since the conclusion of the previous campaign. He was the head coach of Cagliari last season as the club narrowly avoided relegation. 



Ranieri’s extensive experience as a manager has taken him to the Stadio Olimpico on two occasions. The first of those came from 2009 to 2011. Things got off to a blinding start as Roma finished second to treble-winning Inter Milan by two points, and Roma lost to Inter in the Coppa Italia Final. However, that fast start tapered off, and Roma never returned to those heights. Ranieri resigned in the middle of the 2010/11 season. He returned for a brief stint in the 2019 season. He failed to lift the club to Champions League qualification, so he did not extend his stay.



Now, though, Ranieri could be the one to help Roma out of a difficult time. The club is not at risk of relegation per se, but European qualification is looking like a distant goal. 



<h2>What would Claudio Ranieri have to change at Roma?</h2>



Assuming the Friedkin Group and Roma executives want to change the look of the coaching staff, Ranieri would have several tasks ahead of him. The most glaring of which is lack of output. Last season, Romelu Lukaku occupied the striker role and he scored 13 goals. His hold-up play and focus from the defense also allowed players like Paulo Dybala to thrive. The Argentine also scored 13 goals last season. 



With Lukaku off to Napoli, Roma has struggled to find the back of the net. Roma has just nine goals through nine Serie A games this season. New arrival Artem Dovbyk has scored one-third of those, but he does not have the proper service. Roma has no shortage of possession. For reference, the club has the second-highest rate of possession in Serie A. However, it fails to do anything meaningful with its ball retention. 



Ranieri’s first step would thus be to make Roma more clinical in front of goal. The squad shoots heavily, but it has a poor ratio of shots hitting the target. As the adage goes, one cannot if they do not hit the target. That is what Roma is suffering from right now. That is not necessarily something Ranieri would be able to overturn in a snap. But he could prove the difference over time.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Roma contacts Claudio Ranieri as a candidate for manager

AS Roma is on its second manager, but it is already making headway into feeling out the chance of hiring Claudio Ranieri.

This season, the soccer world has said goodbye to several legendary players and coaches. However, one departure has had more emotional weight than any other.



Claudio Ranieri, the revered Italian coach, <a href="https://x.com/eurofootcom/status/1792207795632427221" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced on Tuesday</a> that he is resigning from his remaining year with Cagliari and entering retirement. This decision marks the end of a journey that began in 1986; it spanned over four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.



After deciding to retire, Ranieri will lead Cagliari for one last time in his managerial career, according to <a href="https://gianlucadimarzio.com/it/ranieri-cagliari-addio-calciomercato-news-21-maggio-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sky Italia</a>. Last season, the Italian coach joined the club and guided them to promotion from Serie B. He had one year left on his contract after managing Cagliari from 1988 to 1991.



“Mister Ranieri bids farewell to Cagliari. In his two spells with the club, he always managed to lead the team to achieve their original objective”, <a href="https://cagliaricalcio.com/news/per-sempre-grati-mister/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the club confirmed</a>. “These are tears of joy and gratitude for the man who was able to write some of the most beautiful scripts in Cagliari’s history. What he did will remain indelible in the hearts of every supporter.”



<h2>What did Ranieri say?</h2>



The 72-year-old’s managerial career began in earnest in 1986. Just two years later, he took charge of the Sardinians for his first spell. Reflecting on his time with the club, he reminisced about the early years filled with triumphs and challenges.



“We lived three wonderful years; then, there were two promotions, a salvation and, then, I left. I grew a lot and it seemed the right thing to do after the promotion, which perhaps we didn’t expect to be so immediate when I arrived in January 1988”, <a href="https://x.com/CagliariCalcio/status/1792991365074161781" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ranieri shared in a heartfelt video</a>.



His poignant memories of Pavoletti’s crucial goal in the 94th minute encapsulate the passion and drama that characterized his tenure. The experienced Ranieri then explained his retirement to leave now, despite having another year left on his contract.



“But I decided it’s the right thing to leave now. I had three years on my contract, but it’s the right thing to leave now. I’m leaving with a heavy heart because it’s hard, it’s a painful decision, but I think it’s the right thing to do,” he admitted.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240522_WST_508532_Ranieri-Premier-League-1200x670_3ae96233.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-508560" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Ranieri-Premier-League-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Ranieri-Premier-League-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Ranieri-Premier-League-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Ranieri-Premier-League.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Ranieri leaves an unmatched legacy upon retirement</h2>



The impressive list of accomplishments that Claudio Ranieri can claim spans a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/claudio-ranieri-still-in-denial-over-leicester-premier-league-title-bid-20160315-CMS-166055.html">wide range of leagues and nations</a>. His most lauded achievement was perhaps guiding <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/leicester-city-tv-schedule/">Leicester City</a> to an unbelievable <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/watch-premier-league-on-us-tv-internet/">Premier League</a> crown in 2016, which won the hearts of soccer fans all around the globe.



His leadership helped the Foxes overcome insurmountable obstacles and cement their position in history. As a remarkable example of the lasting impact of his influence, Leicester City were able to regain their place in the top division only this season after being relegated last year.



He also has great success as a manager in Spain, leading Valencia and Atletico Madrid to trophies. He has three major cup victories with Valencia: the 1999 Copa del Rey, the 1998 Intertoto Cup, and the 2014 European Super Cup.



Additionally successful was his tenure in Italy, during which Fiorentina won the Supercoppa Italiana and the Coppa Italia in 1996. With these honors including his 2016 FIFA Football Award for Greatest Coach in the World, his influence on the sport is undeniable.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Leicester's Premier League-winning coach Ranieri calls it quits

Claudio Ranieri, the iconic manager who led Leicester City to an unbelievable Premier League title, announced his retirement.

Prominent Italian manager Claudio Ranieri had choice words for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/italy-dominated-england-in-euro-2020-final-says-mancini-20210711-CMS-339745.html">Roberto Mancini</a>, who recently took over the Saudi Arabia national team job. Mancini was the manager of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/italy-national-team-tv-schedule/">Italian national team</a>. However, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/mancini-resigns-from-italy-who-will-succeed-him-20230813-WST-449904.html">he stepped down</a> just before Italy continued its <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/uefa-european-championship-tv-schedule/">UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying</a> in September. 



Speaking to <a href="https://www.tuttosport.com/video/calcio/serie-a/cagliari/2023/08/29-112339491/ranieri_in_arabia_non_ci_sarei_andato_ho_stimoli_diversi_dai_soldi_" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Supertele</a>, Ranieri said the riches of Saudi Arabia are not his main deciding factor when it comes to a managerial job. Instead, it is the drive to win the biggest competitions. Mancini is surely receiving a handsome paycheck, even compared to his earnings with the Italian National Team. 



“Saudi Arabia national team? I honestly would not have gone. I prefer motivation other than money,” Ranieri said.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Panchina in Arabia? 🇸🇦 La risposta di Ranieri: 😎😳<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ranieri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ranieri</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SuperTele?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SuperTele</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DAZN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DAZN</a> <a href="https://t.co/GlA6q3aDDj">pic.twitter.com/GlA6q3aDDj</a>— DAZN Italia (@DAZN_IT) <a href="https://twitter.com/DAZN_IT/status/1696272242521329711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Ranieri is a journeyman when it comes to soccer management. Currently, he is the boss of Cagliari in Serie A. However, his previous managerial stints include stops in Italy, France, England, Spain and international teams. His most famous role for most was his time with Leicester City. There, he helped the relegation favorites to win the Premier League in one of the most stunning turnarounds in history. However, he has since seen a fall from the top. His different times at clubs brought different success. The least successful of those was a relegation-bound half-season with Watford.



<h2>Ranieri says Mancini Saudi Arabia move is all about money</h2>



The Italian is a prominent name, just like Roberto Mancini. However, despite his older age, Ranieri does not see money as his main motivation. Roberto Mancini may not have shared that viewpoint. Mancini was a contender to leave the Italian national team after a failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. That said, he did lead the side to the Euro 2020 crown in dramatic fashion against England. 



Now, Mancini is making upwards of <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2023/8/28/saudi-arabia-appoint-italys-roberto-mancini-as-national-team-coach#:~:text=Newspaper%20La%20Gazzetta%20dello%20Sport,25%20million%20euros%20(%2427m)." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">$25 million per year</a> in his three-year contract with the Saudi Arabia national team. That contract runs through 2026, when Saudi Arabia will attempt to qualify for the World Cup in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/fifas-eye-opening-demands-for-world-cup-2026-host-cities-20230811-WST-449616.html">United States, Mexico and Canada</a>. 



PHOTO: IMAGO / Gribaudi/ImagePhoto

Claudio Ranieri mocks Mancini for taking Saudi Arabia job

Prominent Italian manager Claudio Ranieri had choice words for Roberto Mancini, who recently took over the Saudi Arabia national team job.

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