By KBC Associate 
Claudio Ranieri has rejected the chance to become Italy’s new head coach and will instead remain with Roma.
Ranieri was offered the opportunity to succeed Luciano Spalletti, who announced his own sacking following the 3-0 humbling by Norway on Friday with his last game in charge coming last night – a 2-0 defeat of Moldova.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) turned to the vastly experienced Ranieri, who enjoyed a fantastic spell in charge of the Giallorossi having been appointed in November, leading them from 16th to fifth and having the best record in Serie A over that period.
As part of the deal that saw him succeed Ivan Juric at the Stadio Olimpico, Ranieri agreed to move into a new senior advisor role at his hometown club at the end of the season and he has opted to honour that commitment rather than take over the Azzurri.
“I’d like to thank president (Gabriele) Gravina for the opportunity, a great honour, but I have reflected and decided to remain at Roma’s disposal in my new position completely,” Ranieri said in a statement to Italian news agency ANSA.
“[Roma owners] The Friedkins have given me their full support and backing for whatever decision I have taken regarding the national team, but the decision is mine alone.”
FIGC target Pioli
Roma have named former Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini as their new boss and he will work in tandem with 73-year-old Ranieri in an attempt to guide the club back into the Champions League.
As for Italy, reports suggest Stefano Pioli is their next target. Pioli, who won the Scudetto with AC Milan in 2022 before moving to coach Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, is also wanted by Fiorentina and the FIGC will have to move quickly to secure his signature.