Former Cagliari manager Claudio Ranieri has revealed that he is ready to return to football after taking a break from management, with the veteran Italian coach admitting he is open to taking charge of a national team.
Ranieri stepped down as Cagliari manager at the end of last season after successfully guiding the club back to Serie A and helping them secure their top-flight status. Although he has been away from the dugout since then, the experienced tactician says his passion for coaching remains as strong as ever.
Softfootball understands that despite receiving several offers in recent months, the 72-year-old has turned them down as he waits for the right opportunity to return to management.
Speaking to Il Corriere della Sera, Ranieri admitted he still has the desire to challenge himself and has not ruled out taking over a national team in the future. However, he made it clear that he has no interest in replacing Luciano Spalletti as Italy’s head coach, insisting he has complete confidence in the current Azzurri boss.
Ranieri also reflected on his emotional connection with Cagliari, describing the Sardinian club as the place that shaped his coaching career. He recalled arriving at the club as a young and inexperienced manager before leading them from Serie C to Serie A during his first spell in charge.
His return to Cagliari decades later proved equally memorable, as he once again guided the Rossoblu to promotion before ensuring they retained their Serie A status.
With one of the most respected coaching careers in European football, Ranieri’s next move will undoubtedly attract significant attention whenever he decides to step back into management.
