Ranieri’s technical overhaul challenges Italy’s tactical legacy

Claudio Ranieri, the former Roma, Chelsea and Leicester City manager, has emerged from retirement to become President and Technical Director of Club Italia, a role that gives him oversight of the Nazionale and every academy across the country. The post had been held by Paolo Maldini only three weeks earlier before a disagreement over the coach appointment ended his brief tenure.

Roberto Mancini returned as the CT after a three‑year absence, joining Ranieri in a joint press conference where both men posed with the Italy jersey. Their partnership signals a fresh leadership structure for the senior national side.

Ranieri described the appointment as “the crowning moment of a career”, recalling that he learned of Giovanni Malagò’s call while at the beach. He added that the situation will be difficult but his coaching experience equips him to handle it.

He outlined two essential goals: first, to get people to fall back in love with football, and second, to ensure that children like his 12‑year‑old grandchild can watch Italy at a World Cup – an experience the boy has never had.

Citing a conversation in Cagliari, Ranieri warned that many families cannot afford football schools, noting that the cost barrier prevents talented youngsters from participating.

He highlighted Italy’s strong record at youth levels, winning trophies and reaching finals, but stressed that the transition from Under‑21 onward is where the nation falters because there are not enough technically proficient players.

Ranieri contrasted Italy’s reputation for team tactics with other nations’ emphasis on individual technique, insisting that academies must teach ball control, movement, crossing and shooting rather than only two‑touch passing.

He criticised coaches who prioritize immediate results over skill development, likening the approach to throwing children straight into a tennis match without preparation.

When Maldini stepped down, many feared modernization would stall, but Ranieri clarified that the 10‑year plan targets the 10‑14‑year‑old age group, the cohort that needs the most technical guidance.

Ranieri recalled that he once declined the Italy head‑coach job to honour his contract with AS Roma, saying he would have faced a conflict of interest. Although he has repeatedly announced his retirement, he continues to return for new challenges, noting humorously that he will not make his wife move house for the role.