Ranieri memes mock Italy call for help from retired coach

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Susy Campanale | Last updated Jun 7, 2025 3:14 PM ET

With calls growing for Claudio Ranieri to be tempted out of retirement yet again, this time to rescue Italy from Luciano Spalletti, the memes have been coming thick and fast.

The Azzurri risk missing out on a third consecutive World Cup after last night’s painful 3-0 defeat to Norway.

Spalletti is expected to be on the bench for Monday’s second qualifier against Moldova, but could then be fired or resign after crisis talks with FIGC President Gabriele Gravina.

Italy calling for Ranieri to the rescue

Ranieri is emerging as the candidate most people are getting behind, especially considering the extraordinary job he did turning Roma around.

He had actually retired last summer, only to be coaxed back by his beloved hometown club in November 2024, overseeing 22 wins, seven draws and seven defeats.

Now that Italy could come calling, the memes are mocking the potential new stage to the career of a man who will turn 74 in October.

Several different images used the picture of Ben Affleck looking fed up to reflect Ranieri seeing his phone light up with Gravina’s number.

Another had the coach with a white beard, insisting “one more year and then I’ll stop.”

Many just feel quite sorry that this poor man just wants to put his feet up and enjoy his retirement, yet keeps getting called back.

Perhaps the best was the image of Ranieri’s face in the night sky, like the Batsignal calling for help from Calcio’s own superhero.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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