Claudio Ranieri ‘appointed’ Italy technical director, with Roberto Mancini expected to return | OneFootball

Fabrizio Romano reports that Claudio Ranieri has been appointed Italy’s technical director, with Roberto Mancini expected to return as head coach.

The 74-year-old has been out of work after leaving his role as special adviser at AS Roma. He had previously coached at the Stadio Olimpico before stepping down for Gian Piero Gasperini.

After working closely with the ownership, Ranieri left the Serie A club in April. He now returns to the game to take up a position with the national team.

Last June, Ranieri rejected the chance to become Italy’s head coach after Luciano Spaletti was sacked. Former Italy and AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso then took over but failed to qualify for this summer’s World Cup.

Ranieri returned to the King Power Stadium earlier this year for the 10-year anniversary of Leicester’s Premier League title. He guided the Foxes to the 2016 crown before being sacked in 2017.

Since leaving Leicester, he has managed Nantes, Fulham and had a second spell at Roma in 2019. He led Sampdoria for two years, then had a short stint at Watford before returning to Cagliari in 2022. He had suggested Cagliari would likely be his final club, yet later came out of retirement for another reign at Roma.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk