Overview

• Luciano Spalletti was dismissed as Italy head coach on June 8 after a 2-0 win over Moldova failed to address concerns over the team’s playing style.
• Federation president Gabriele Gravina personally offered the position to Ranieri in recognition of his late-season turnaround at AS Roma.
• Ranieri told the Ansa agency he felt honored by the proposal but chose to stay with Roma as an advisor with the full support of club owners the Friedkin family.
• Italian media indicate Stefano Pioli, who will leave Al Nassr at July’s end, is now the leading candidate to replace Spalletti.
• Italy sit fourth in their World Cup qualifying group with three points from two matches, intensifying scrutiny of the federation’s managerial decisions.