Recently, former coach of the "Roma" club, Claudio Ranieri, announced that he has ended his coaching career. At the same time, serious changes occurred in the Italy national team as well — the national team head coach Luciano Spalletti was dismissed from his position.
In such a complex situation, the Italian Football Federation decided to invite Ranieri, who has left coaching but has high experience and reputation, to the national team. However, this offer was unexpectedly rejected despite the hopes of Italian football fans and experts.
Ranieri explained his decision in an interview with the Ansa news agency:
"I sincerely thank the president of the Italian Football Federation, Gabriele Gravina. He honored me by offering me the opportunity to work with the national team once again. However, I thought a lot about this matter and ultimately preferred to focus all my attention on my new role at the 'Roma' club."
It is reported that the Friedkin family, who are the leaders of the Rome club, were ready to fully support Ranieri regardless of the decision he made. However, the 72-year-old specialist emphasized that this decision was entirely his own, and he chose to decline the management of the national team.
This decision has sparked a lot of discussions and debates among football experts and fans. While some highly appreciate Ranieri's loyalty to the club, others express their surprise at his refusal to accept the national team.
Currently, the Italian Football Federation is working on appointing a new coach for the national team. Several other famous candidates are being mentioned for this position. However, it is said that Ranieri's rejection has posed serious difficulties for the federation leaders.
