Claudio Ranieri closing in on Italy head coach job
Legendary manager Claudio Ranieri is inching closer towards succeeding Luciano Spalletti as Italy's head coach, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Azzurri have sacked Spalletti following the heavy defeat against Norway in a World Cup qualifier. He will step down after tonight's clash against Moldova.
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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 gaffer managed to navigate the troubled waters at the Italian capital club, helping them to a fifth-place finish in Serie A, meaning they will play in the Europa League next season.
Ranieri is expected to continue his dual 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.
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In a career spanning four decades, Ranieri hasn't managed any national team, except for his short stint with Greece in 2014.
Since the Euro 2020 triumph, Italy's form has plummeted. They failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and also had a lacklustre campaign in the European Championship last year, falling short in the round of 16 against Switzerland.
The Azzurri have remained underachievers over the years despite having a diverse talent pool.
The defeat against Norway has put a dent in their chances of securing an automatic qualification for next year's World Cup.
Sitting fourth in their group, Italy need to at least aim for a second-placed finish to qualify for the play-offs.
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