A dramatic turn of events in the waltz for the National team's bench: Claudio Ranieri says no to Italy. The negotiations with the FIGC seemed to be on the home straight, but the Roman coach has chosen to remain faithful to Roma, declining the offer that would have brought him back to the international scene as coach of the Azzurri.
The decision, made after days of deliberation, confirmed the integrity of a man who has always stuck to his word. The Friedkins, owners of the Giallorossi club, had also given the green light to a possible dual role, but Ranieri preferred not to open up any ambiguous scenarios: "I thank President Gravina for the proposal, but I chose to remain at Roma's service ," he stated. " The choice was mine alone. The owners gave me complete freedom, but I couldn't turn my back on a project I deeply believe in."
A step back that changes the cards on the table in the race to succeed Luciano Spalletti. Now the favorite for the Azzurri bench is Stefano Pioli, backed at 1,50 by Goldbet and 1,60 by Snai. The former Milan coach, after his experience in Saudi Arabia, seemed destined for Fiorentina, but the call of the Azzurri could reshuffle his priorities.
Behind him is Daniele De Rossi, clearly rising in the odds: his candidacy has dropped to 2,25 compared to 6 just 24 hours ago. They are followed by two protagonists of the 2006 World Cup, Fabio Cannavaro and Gennaro Gattuso, both given at 8, while the possibility of a sensational return of Roberto Mancini, proposed at 10, remains suggestive, but at the moment more distant.
The name of the former coach, winner of Euro 2020, had ended up on the sidelines after his controversial exit in 2023, but the extraordinary circumstances could push the Federation to reconsider the candidacy, opening up a possible dialogue with someone who, for better or worse, has already written an important part of the national team 's recent history.
Ranieri's decision to stay at Roma is interesting but a bit unexpected, because many expected him to accept the offer from the national team. It would have been a good opportunity for him and for Italy.