Former Italian football manager Ranieri steps out of the coaching field.
Article:
A Controversial Decision: Ranieri declines to save Italy's World Cup Hopes
Italy's World Cup dreams hang in the balance, as the Italian national team grapples with the aftermath of Luciano Spalletti's dismissal. Amidst the chaos, a seasoned veteran was expected to step up. But Claudio Ranieri, a former AS Roma coach, has chosen to decline the call to duty.
With a year until the World Cup, Italy is left in limbo, searching for a new national coach. Ranieri, a top candidate, has turned down the offer from the Italian football federation, instead choosing to commit to his role as a consultant for AS Roma. In an interview with Italian news agency ANSA, Ranieri explained, "I thank the federation president for the honor. But I have decided to fulfill my commitment to AS Roma as a consultant."
Under Spalletti's leadership, Italy managed a narrow 2-0 (1-0) victory against Moldova in the World Cup qualifier, but the poor performance reinforced concerns about the team's readiness for the global event. Roma owner Dan Friedkin offered Ranieri the opportunity to accept the offer, but he declined, despite briefly stepping in as coach of AS Roma last season, even while in retirement.
On the Verge of Extinction:
Currently, ex-AC Milan champion coach, Stefano Pioli, is the most frequently mentioned contender for the position of Commissario Tecnico. Pioli is currently coaching Al-Nassr FC in Saudi Arabia, the club of football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Another potential candidate, Carlo Ancelotti, recently signed a contract in Brazil. The record world champion aspires to lead Italy back to greatness with Ancelotti at the helm.
A Narrow Escape:
At home against world ranking 154th Moldova, Italy displayed superiority in Monday's World Cup qualifier in Reggio Emilia, but their vulnerability in counterattacks was evident. Ion Nicolaescu nearly scored for Moldova, but the goal was disallowed due to offside. A goal-line save by Giacomo Raspadori preserved the Italian team just before halftime. Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus sealed the victory with a 2-0 score just after the break.
Italy has kept its hopes alive for the World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, but Norway currently leads the group with a nine-point advantage. The group winner secures a spot in the World Cup, while the second-placed team must contend with playoffs.
Source: ntv.de, ara/dpa/sid
*Footnote: Despite the ongoing uncertainty around the coaching situation for the Italian national team, it remains to be seen who will ultimately take the reins as the team continues to strive for redemption in the World Cup next year.
- Regardless of the ongoing debate, the Italian football federation will have to look beyond Claudio Ranieri's employment policy as he has chosen to prioritize his commitment to AS Roma as a consultant, rather than taking up the role of the national coach.
- With the World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico fast approaching, sports fans may find interest in analyzing the various sports policies of potential candidates, such as Stefano Pioli or Carlo Ancelotti, to determine their potential impact on Italy's football team and its hopes for redemption.
