Ranieri Says No to Italy – What’s Next for the Azzurri?

In a surprising twist, Claudio Ranieri has officially turned down the chance to become Italy’s national team head coach, even though he was the top pick to replace Luciano Spalletti. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) had high hopes that the experienced 73-year-old could guide the Azzurri back to the top, especially with the 2026 World Cup qualifiers approaching. But Ranieri has chosen loyalty to his beloved Roma over taking on the national role.

After finishing the season as interim manager at Roma, Ranieri was offered an advisory role at the club. Despite interest from the FIGC and the chance to lead his country, he decided to stay fully committed to Roma in this new position. According to Italian reports, Ranieri politely rejected the FIGC’s first proposal, which included a short-term contract and the possibility of working both jobs at once, advising Roma and managing Italy. However, this dual responsibility didn’t sit well with him.

Ranieri Chooses Roma Over Italy

In a statement to the media outlet Ansa, Ranieri explained his decision: “I thank President Gravina for the opportunity, a great honour, but I reflected and decided to remain at Roma’s disposal in my new role in a total way. The Friedkins [Roma’s owners] have given me their full support and backing for any decision I have made regarding the national team, but the decision is mine alone.”

FIGC president Gabriele Gravina had been in direct talks with Roma owner Dan Friedkin and received the green light to approach Ranieri. Still, the legendary coach, who led Leicester City to a fairy-tale Premier League title in 2016, preferred to focus on his role with Roma rather than divide his time and energy between two demanding jobs.

Stefano Pioli Becomes the Frontrunner

With Ranieri now out of the picture, all eyes turn to Stefano Pioli as the next likely candidate to take over the Azzurri The former AC Milan coach is currently considering a three-year offer from Fiorentina worth €3 million per season after recently leaving Saudi club Al-Nassr, where he had a short stint. Pioli brings solid experience, having helped Milan win the Serie A title in the 2021–22 season and guiding them to consistent top-four finishes.

The urgency for a new head coach is very real. Italy missed out on the last two World Cups, which has put enormous pressure on the FIGC to ensure qualification for the 2026 edition in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Gravina and his team want someone with tactical awareness, strong leadership, and the ability to unite a talented but inconsistent Italian squad. That’s why they initially pushed hard for Ranieri, whose calm presence and deep experience made him a safe and respected choice.

A Crucial Qualifier Looms for the Azzurri

Italy will have to finalise their new head coach before the next set of World Cup Qualifiers in September, where they will face Estonia and Israel. These matches will be crucial in determining their path to the 2026 World Cup, and the FIGC must ensure the right leadership is in place to guide the team forward.

Whether it’s Pioli or another candidate, the next head coach will have a huge task on their hands, bring back belief, stability, and qualification success to a proud footballing nation.

In the meantime, Italian fans can only wait and hope that the FIGC makes the right call — and that whoever steps in is ready for the challenge of restoring the Azzurri to the world stage.