Claudio Ranieri has rejected Italy's offer to take over Luciano Spalletti's role as head coach following the dismissal of the 66-year-old Italian.

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Claudio, in an official statement on Tuesday, June 10, thanked Italy for the opportunity, saying, "It’s a great honour for me to receive that proposal, but I decided to continue with my role at AS Roma as part of the management."

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He also affirmed his stance on his decision to stay with Roma during an interview with the Italian news agency ANSA, expressing his gratitude to the “...President Gravina for the opportunity, a great honour, but I have reflected and decided to remain available to Roma in my new position, totally,” he added.

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He said his current management had given him the prerogative to choose whether to accept or decline the offer, but he has decided to stay with Roma as their advisor.

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"The Friedkins have given me their full support and backing for any decision I have made regarding the national team, but the decision is mine alone" he said.

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This comes after Luciano Spalletti, on Sunday, June 8, announced his dismissal during a press conference at Coverciano, Italy’s national football training centre.

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The termination of his contract comes in the wake of the team's 3–0 defeat to Norway in Oslo in their opening qualifier for the 2026 tournament—a result that has put his position under scrutiny.

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Luciano Spalletti said he would lead the team in their clash with Moldova, noting that it will be his last with the national team.

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He continued that, despite the poor run, he intended to stay with the club and give his best for a massive comeback; however, he has been told to leave after the Moldova clash.

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“I had no intention of giving up. I would have preferred to stay in my place and continue doing my job. I’ll be there tomorrow evening against Moldova, then we’ll resolve the contract.”

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Luciano Spalletti took over as Italy's head coach on September 1, 2023, following the departure of Roberto Mancini.

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Ranieri, who recently retired for a second time after his spell at Roma last season, said he was honoured to have been offered the job by Italian Football Federation President Gabriele Gravina.

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Ranieri helped Roma finish fifth in Serie A last season to qualify for the Europa League. The 73-year-old Italian has been replaced by former Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini at Roma.

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