Claudio Ranieri open to Italy rescue mission
Claudio Ranieri remains open to the idea of coaching Italy even at the age of 74, declaring: "When you are called by your country, you say yes."
Ranieri has had 23 managerial jobs throughout a career spanning five decades, memorably leading Leicester City to the Premier League title in 2016 as well as having stints with Chelsea, Juventus, Inter, Atletico Madrid and Roma – the latter on three occasions.
His last spell at the Giallorossi ended in an ugly fashion, though, as, after becoming an advisor following a stint as interim head coach last season, he departed in April.
His exit came after he publicly clashed with coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who Ranieri said was not Roma's first choice for the job.
But rather than retire, Ranieri has now opened the door to a possible return to the dugout, in international football.
Italy is searching for a new coach after failing to qualify for a third successive edition of the World Cup – becoming the first former champions to ever do so.
Gennaro Gattuso was dismissed after the play-off defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the likes of Antonio Conte, Massimiliano Allegri, Stefano Pioli and even Pep Guardiola have been touted as possible successors.
But if Ranieri was to receive the call, he would not be able to turn the job down.
"I said no to Italy before because I already had a job at Roma and could not do two jobs," Ranieri said. "At this point in time, I am free, so if anyone was to call, why not? Never say never."
Asked if he would take another role in the Azzurri set-up other than head coach, he added: "I don't know, when you are called by your country, you say yes, and that's that."
Italy is hoping to have a head coach in place by the time they open their Nations League campaign against Belgium in September, with Turkiye and France also in their group.
