The return of Claudio Ranieri to AS Roma marks a poignant chapter in Italian football, particularly for the emotional backdrop of both the coach and the club. After being celebrated at Cagliari for achieving Serie A survival, many thought Ranieri’s illustrious coaching career would wind down softly. Instead, fate has intervened, and he finds himself embarking on yet another journey with Roma—a place steeped in sentiment, given his history as a fan and a coach.
Ranieri’s reception has been nothing short of reverential. The fervor surrounding his return was epitomized by the fresco that depicted him dressed as an ancient Roman senator. This mural, unveiled in the vibrant Testaccio neighborhood, serves as a testament to his status among the supporters. The local newspaper, “Corriere dello Sport,” coined the phrase “HABEMUS PAPA,” echoing the announcement made upon the election of a new pope, underscoring his heralded comeback. The banners and signs from ardent fans convey a deep sense of loyalty and expectation, stating, “Our shirt is your great pride, welcome back,” while another emphatically declares Ranieri as the “eternal leader.”
However, this latest mission with Roma—his third—brings with it daunting challenges. During his former tenures, from 2009 to 2011 and a brief return in 2019, Ranieri did not secure any major trophies for the Giallorossi. His closest brush with success came in 2010 when they narrowly finished second to José Mourinho’s treble-winning Inter. Still, the emotional connection he has fostered with the fans and the city itself is invaluable. He recently expressed that the offers he’d received over the past few months far outweighed those he encountered during his championship season with Leicester City.
Ranieri’s philosophy as a coach is one that resonates deeply with the supporters: players who “spit blood” on the pitch, giving their all even in the face of adversity. That ethos is increasingly essential for Roma, especially as they find themselves languishing in the middle tier of the league standings. The squad has accumulated a mere 13 points from their first 12 matches in the 2024/25 season, sitting 12th and a striking 11 points adrift of the top six. Their aspirations for UEFA Champions League qualification appear bleak unless there is a radical transformation in performance.
Worryingly, recent matches have been characterized by protest and discontent at the Stadio Olimpico, with fans resorting to walking out and booing their own players. Addressing the squad’s lack of mental resilience is one of the immediate tasks awaiting Ranieri. The team, heavily reliant on the influence of star player Paulo Dybala, has struggled for creativity and defensive solidity, conceding 11 goals in their last four league outings. Key players like Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante, who have faced heavy criticism, need rejuvenation under Ranieri’s guidance. There are also former stars like Mats Hummels and promising young talent Matias Soule who require his expert management to unlock their potential.
Ranieri’s initiation back into the managerial spotlight is anything but gentle; his first major challenge, aptly named the ‘Derby del Sole,’ pits him against Napoli, currently perched atop Serie A under the guidance of Antonio Conte. The Partenopei, looking to redress their shaky title defense, have fortified their squad with significant signings. Despite a recent defeat against Atalanta, Napoli remain a formidable opponent, presenting Ranieri with a high-stakes platform for his return.
As Roma prepares to face Napoli on November 24, the expectations are high not only for a positive performance but also for an emotional resurgence for the club. Ranieri’s ability to inspire and galvanize his players could serve both as a catalyst for change and as a means to channel the love and support of the fans into a tangible improvement on the pitch. With crucial fixtures ahead, including a UEFA Europa League encounter with Tottenham and a matchup against Atalanta, the immediate future will be telling.
Fans are set to tune in live on TNT Sports and discovery+, with kick-off scheduled for 17:00 UK time at the renowned Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. This encounter could very well set the tone for what lies ahead in this storied chapter of Ranieri’s coaching journey. His revival at Roma holds the potential for not just a turnaround in fortunes, but also a rekindling of the deep-seated love affair between the club and its supporters.
