Ranieri’s four-word message to decline Italy offer

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Lorenzo Bettoni | Last updated Jun 10, 2025 9:22 AM ET

Claudio Ranieri reportedly informed FIGC President Gabriele Gravina last night that he didn’t feel comfortable accepting the Italy offer despite the details agreed with the Federation and Roma.

Ranieri rejected the chance to replace Luciano Spalletti as Italy’s head coach and informed FIGC President Gravina about his decision last night.

What Ranieri told FIGC President Gravina

According to Gazzetta, Ranieri told Gravina: “Non me la sento“, which means “I don’t feel up to it.”

Later on Tuesday morning, the 73-year-old coach confirmed his decision with a statement released to ANSA.

According to Gazzetta, Ranieri, Roma, and the FIGC had already agreed on several details, including preventing the 73-year-old from discussing Roma issues when covering the Italy coach role and vice versa.

Sky: Gattuso the leading candidate for Italy job

Ranieri has become an advisor to Roma owner Dan Friedkin, contributing to the appointment of Gian Piero Gasperini as the Giallorossi’s head coach for the 2025-26 season.

The Italian Federation is now actively searching for a successor to Spalletti, and according to Sky Sport Italia, 2006 World Cup winner Gennaro Gattuso is currently the leading candidate for the job.

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

More must-reads: