CLAUDIO Ranieri plunged Italian FA chiefs into crisis when he rejected the chance to take over the national side.
Former Chelsea and Leicester boss Ranieri, 73, had been lined up to replace Luciano Spalletti, sacked following the Azzurri’s humiliating 3-0 World Cup qualifying defeat by Norway.
Ex-Napoli chief Spalletti stepped down after overseeing the underwhelming win over Moldova, which kept Italy on track for a potential play-off place.
But in a shock U-turn after days of discussions, self-proclaimed “Tinkerman” Ranieri revealed he was turning down the job.
Ranieri left the Roma dug-out last month after the Stadio Olimpico side missed out on a Champions League place on the final weekend of the Serie A season.
It was understood he had been sacked.
Yet Ranieri has opted to STAY with Roma, in a consultancy role for owners the Friedkin family, rather than take charge of the Italy side, informing FA President Gabriele Gravina of his unexpected decision.
Ranieri explained: “I thank President Gravina for the opportunity, a great honour.
“But I reflected and decided to remain at the disposal of Rome in my new role in a total way.
“The Friedkins have given me their full support and backing for any decision I made regarding the national team, but the decision is mine alone.”
Ranieri, who was replaced at the club by former Atalanta chief Gian Piero Gasperini, added that it was HIS decision to end his managerial career.
He said: “I decided to give up, the Friedkins had left me free to choose.
“But I had promised to stop. If I had wanted to continue we would not have taken Gasperini.
“Now I only want to think about Rome.”
Gravina is now starting the search for Spalletti’s replacement all over again.
Spalletti’s predecessor, Roberto Mancini, who quit in August 2023 but lasted just 14 months as Saudi Arabia boss, might be an option despite being recently appointed as technical director at former club Sampdoria.
Gravina may also target former Inter Milan, Lazio and AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli, 59, who was dismissed by the San Siro outfit last summer and is managing Cristiano Ronaldo at Saudi side Al-Nassr.
