Ranieri memes mock Italy call for help from retired coach | OneFootball

With calls growing for Claudio Ranieri to be tempted out of retirement yet again, this time to rescue Italy from Luciano Spalletti, the memes have been coming thick and fast.

The Azzurri risk missing out on a third consecutive World Cup after last night’s painful 3-0 defeat to Norway.

Spalletti is expected to be on the bench for Monday’s second qualifier against Moldova, but could then be fired or resign after crisis talks with FIGC President Gabriele Gravina.

Italy calling for Ranieri to the rescue

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 28: Claudio Ranieri, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Tottenham Hotspur and AS Roma at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 28, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Ranieri is emerging as the candidate most people are getting behind, especially considering the extraordinary job he did turning Roma around.

He had actually retired last summer, only to be coaxed back by his beloved hometown club in November 2024, overseeing 22 wins, seven draws and seven defeats.

Now that Italy could come calling, the memes are mocking the potential new stage to the career of a man who will turn 74 in October.

Several different images used the picture of Ben Affleck looking fed up to reflect Ranieri seeing his phone light up with Gravina’s number.

Claudio Ranieri in a Ben Affleck meme

Another had the coach with a white beard, insisting “one more year and then I’ll stop.”

Many just feel quite sorry that this poor man just wants to put his feet up and enjoy his retirement, yet keeps getting called back.

Perhaps the best was the image of Ranieri’s face in the night sky, like the Batsignal calling for help from Calcio’s own superhero.