Following Luciano Spalletti`s departure, Claudio Ranieri is increasingly likely to become the next coach of the Italian national team. Gabriele Gravina, the FIGC president, is reportedly convinced that the Roman coach is the right person to revitalize the Azzurri and guide them towards World Cup qualification.
Contacts have intensified recently, and an official proposal is ready to be presented soon. The offer is expected to include a contract extending until July 2026, with the possibility of a future role as technical director for the national teams.
In initial discussions, Ranieri has shown openness to taking on the role. The FIGC is reportedly not concerned about a potential dual role: serving as Italy`s head coach while also acting as a consultant for Dan Friedkin, owner of AS Roma. His contract with the Giallorossi club is set to expire on July 1st, which would allow him to combine his national team duties with an external advisory position. The crucial factor remains the stance of the American ownership, the Friedkins, who have until now relied on Ranieri as a key connection within the Roma project. Without their approval, the decision will rest with Ranieri himself, who would need to choose between the club and the national team.
From a regulatory standpoint, a dual role is permissible. Article 40 of the technical sector regulations prohibits national team coaches from collaborating with a club, but Ranieri`s potential position at Roma would be solely as a senior advisor to the Friedkins, similar to Zlatan Ibrahimović`s role with Gerry Cardinale at Milan. Any concerns would likely revolve around matters of appropriateness or perceived conflicts of interest, potentially raised by figures like Claudio Lotito, a known political opponent of Gravina.
Such dual roles are not unprecedented, however. In the past, even in Italy, figures like Helenio Herrera, Gipo Viani, and Alfredo Foni held similar combined positions. More recently abroad, coaches like Fabio Cannavaro, Guus Hiddink, and Alex Ferguson have also taken on simultaneous club and national team roles. Should the Friedkins give their assent, an official announcement could be made swiftly. Otherwise, Ranieri will face a choice. Meanwhile, Stefano Pioli remains a potential alternative candidate, also reportedly sought after by Fiorentina.
