Ranieri Returns to Roma
Last week, 73-year-old Claudio Ranieri stepped out of retirement to become AS Roma’s head coach for the third time. His comeback has sparked excitement throughout Rome, where murals and banners have been created to celebrate his return as their “eternal leader.” However, Ranieri faces a daunting task to turn around Roma’s poor form before his third debut match against Napoli on Sunday. So much for a peaceful retirement!
A Farewell Turns into a New Beginning
At the end of last season, it seemed like the perfect time for Ranieri to retire. After successfully leading Cagliari to Serie A safety, he appeared ready to close his career where it began, 36 years after his first stint with the club. However, fate had other plans.
On Friday, Ranieri was welcomed by hundreds of Roma fans waving flags at Fiumicino Airport, eager to see one of their own save a turbulent season. In just three months, Roma had dismissed Daniele De Rossi and Ivan Juric, endured intense fan protests, and managed only 13 points in 12 games. Ranieri’s return is seen as a heroic comeback, complete with a mural portraying him as a Roman senator cradling a wolf cub in the Testaccio neighborhood.
“Habemus Papa”: The City Celebrates Ranieri’s Return
Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport announced Ranieri’s arrival with the phrase used when a new pope is elected, “HABEMUS PAPA.” An editorial praised him as “the right man in the right place at the right time.” Fans’ banners reflected this sentiment: “Our shirt is your great pride, welcome back,” and “Ranieri eternal leader.”
An Emotional Draw Too Strong to Resist
Ranieri, who previously led Roma from 2009-2011 and briefly in 2019, acknowledged this could be his toughest assignment yet. But the emotional pull was irresistible. “Since I retired, I’ve had more offers than when I won the league with Leicester,” he said at his unveiling. “I told someone: ‘There are only two cases in which I’d return—Roma or Cagliari.’ Fate has brought me home.”
Instilling Passion and Grit
Ranieri’s bond with Roma fans stems more from his deep connection to the club than from past achievements. Although he guided Leicester City to a historic Premier League title in 2015/16, his 96-game tenure at Roma didn’t produce any trophies. In 2009/10, he came close, finishing just two points behind Mourinho’s Inter in Serie A and reaching the Coppa Italia final.
This season, Ranieri will again aim to bring stability, as he did in 2019 when he replaced Eusebio Di Francesco and led Roma to a sixth-place finish with a nine-game unbeaten run. This time, his role may extend into a directorial position, with a say in choosing his successor next June.
Challenges Ahead: A Team in Crisis
Ranieri faces a team that has gained just 13 points from 12 matches, placing them 12th in the standings and well behind the top six. With Roma missing out on Champions League play since 2018/19, hopes for qualification look slim without a turnaround in form. Fan discontent has become common at the Stadio Olimpico, with fans showing their displeasure through empty seats, silent stretches, and even booing. There is a feeling that this squad lacks the mental toughness needed, something Ranieri is fully aware of and ready to address.
