Former Leicester and Fulham coach Claudio returns to his childhood club as a manager

Claudio Ranieri has been named the new manager of Roma – just days after he was sacked by Fulham.

The Italian was born in the country’s capital and returns to his hometown club for a second spell in charge after Eusebio Di Francesco was dismissed in the wake of the club’s Champions League exit.

Ranieri has signed a contract until June and will be in the Roma dugout for the game against Empoli at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday evening.

That match will take place just 11 days after he was relieved of his duties at Craven Cottage following a defeat to Southampton that left the Whites 10 points adrift of Premier League safety.

Ranieri, who lasted only 106 days at Fulham, will hope to reignite his childhood club’s push for Champions League qualification. Roma currently sit fifth, three points adrift of fourth-placed Inter Milan.

He said of his appointment in Rome: “I’m delighted to be coming back home.

Ranieri, who won the Premier League title with Leicester in 2016, began his playing career at Roma in 1973 and returned to the club as manager 36 years later.

He led the club to within two points of the 2009-10 Serie A title but resigned in February 2011 with Roma eighth in the table.

“We are delighted to welcome Claudio Ranieri back to the club,” Roma president Jim Pallotta said.

“We have one objective remaining this season and that is to finish in the highest possible league position and secure qualification for the Champions League.

“At this stage of the campaign, it was important to bring in a coach who knows the club, understands the environment, can speak the language and is able to motivate the players. Claudio ticks all of those boxes and he’s very excited to take on this challenge.”

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