Skip to content

Ranieri returns to Roma as interim manager

Jonathan Brady - PA Images / PA Images / Getty

Claudio Ranieri has returned to his hometown to coach the team he's always supported.

The 67-year-old was named Roma manager on Friday until June 30 2019, marking his second stint with the Giallorossi. He came close to winning the Scudetto with his childhood club during the 2009-10 season, finishing just two points behind Inter thanks to a heartbreaking defeat to Sampdoria late in the campaign.

Ranieri, who replaces Eusebio Di Francesco on the bench, was only fired by Fulham last Thursday after a run of three wins in just 16 Premier League matches.

"I’m delighted to be coming back home," Ranieri said Friday. "When Roma call you, it’s impossible to say no."

Born and raised in the Testaccio district of the Italian capital, Ranieri has never hid the fact that he's a lifelong Roma fan. He's always had a close association with the city, even returning to have lunch with his mother while guiding Leicester City to an unthinkable Premier League title.

Following his fairytale run in 2015-16, however, Ranieri has struggled to find success, lasting just a year at Nantes before taking the ill-fated job at relegation-threatened Fulham.

He's now tasked with galvanizing Roma - who were dumped out of the round of 16 at the hands of Porto on Wednesday - and guiding them back into a Champions League spot. They're currently three points behind Inter for the fourth and final berth with 12 matches remaining.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox