Claudio Ranieri closing in on Italy head coach job

Claudio Ranieri is inching closer towards succeeding Luciano Spalletti as Italy’s head coach, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Azzurri sacked Spalletti following the heavy defeat against Norway in a World Cup qualifier. He will step down after tonight’s clash against Moldova.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has been in talks to convince Ranieri to take over the national team, and he is ready to give his go-ahead.

Rainieri has moved to a directorial role at AS Roma after serving as the club’s interim head coach for the second half of the 2024/25 season.

The former Leicester City boss helped them secure a fifth-place finish in Serie A, meaning they will play in the Europa League next season.

Ranieri is expected to continue his role as Roma’s advisor even if he accepts the national team job.

The 73-year-old has played a key role in recruiting Gian Piero Gasperini as Giallorossi’s new manager.

In a career spanning four decades, Ranieri hasn’t managed a national team, except for his short stint with Greece in 2014.

Italy’s form has plummeted since their 2020 European Championship success. They failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and had a lacklustre campaign in the 2024 Euros.

The defeat against Norway dented their chances of securing automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup. Ranieri will hope to revive their fortunes.