Claudio Ranieri has come out of retirement at the age of 73 to manage AS Roma until the end of the season, following the dismissal of Croatian coach Ivan Juric, the Serie A club has announced.
This marks Ranieri’s third stint managing his hometown club, having previously led the Giallorossi from 2009-2011 and again briefly in 2019. He also began his professional playing career with Roma.
“AS Roma is pleased to announce Claudio Ranieri as the new head coach of the first team,” stated the club. “At the season’s end, Claudio will transition to a senior executive role, advising club ownership on sporting matters. The search for a permanent coach will continue in the coming months, with Claudio contributing to that decision.”
Juric was let go on Sunday after a 3-2 loss at home to Bologna left Roma in 12th place, just four points above the relegation zone. Juric had replaced the popular Daniele De Rossi in September. Ranieri now becomes Roma’s fourth manager this year, as De Rossi took over from José Mourinho in January.
This season has been turbulent for Roma’s American owners, Dan and Ryan Friedkin. Fans protested after De Rossi, a former club captain, was dismissed, which was followed by the resignation of CEO and general manager Lina Souloukou, who fans held responsible for De Rossi’s exit.
Ranieri, who last helped Cagliari avoid relegation and suggested it would be his final club role, is best remembered for leading Leicester City to a historic English Premier League title in 2016. He faces a challenging debut, with Roma set to play Serie A leaders Napoli in 10 days.
Good Luck , Claudio !
