Claudio Ranieri experiences a warm welcome upon his return to Roma, but he is confronted with a challenging first match against Napoli.

Ranieri Returns to Roma: A Hero’s Welcome Amidst Turmoil

ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 15: AS Roma coach Claudio Ranieri addressed the media during a press conference at Centro Sportivo Fulvio Bernardini, marking the beginning of his third spell at the club.

It seems retirement was never on the cards for Claudio Ranieri. Just a few months ago, the 73-year-old was lifted high by jubilant Cagliari players, celebrating a successful end to the season that saw them secure their Serie A status. It was a fitting conclusion to a storied coaching career, or so it appeared.

Fast forward to Friday, and Ranieri found himself amidst a throng of passionate Roma supporters at Fiumicino airport, eager for a saviour to steer their faltering season back on course. Among the crowd was world No. 32 tennis player Flavio Cobolli, all part of a sea of flag-waving fans desperate for stability after a tumultuous few months.

Roma’s recent history has been anything but smooth. The club has seen the departure of both Daniele De Rossi and Ivan Juric, faced relentless protests from fans, and managed to accumulate a mere 13 points from 12 league matches. The urgency of the situation has made Ranieri’s arrival feel like a homecoming for many, with a mural depicting him as an ancient Roman senator cradling a wolf pup appearing in the Testaccio neighbourhood just last week.

The local press has embraced his return with fervour. The Corriere dello Sport heralded it with the phrase “HABEMUS PAPA,” likening his comeback to the election of a new pope. An editorial described him as “the right man in the right place at the right time,” a sentiment echoed by the banners held aloft by fans: “Our shirt is your great pride, welcome back,” and “Yet again you did not hold back. Ranieri eternal leader.”

However, this third stint at Roma could prove to be his most challenging yet. Despite his emotional attachment to the club, Ranieri is stepping into a precarious situation. “In the last few months since I retired from coaching, I’ve received more offers than when I won the league with Leicester,” he revealed at his unveiling. “I told someone: ‘There are only two cases in which I can return to coaching – for Roma or for Cagliari’. Fate wanted me to come back home.”

Ranieri is adored not just for his past achievements but for his deep-rooted passion for the club. While he famously led Leicester City to an unforgettable Premier League title in 2016, his previous spells at Roma yielded no silverware. His closest brush with glory came in the 2009/10 season when he finished just two points behind José Mourinho’s Inter Milan in Serie A and lost the Coppa Italia final to the same side.

Now, as he embarks on this new chapter, Ranieri faces a daunting task. Roma currently languish in 12th place, 11 points adrift of the top six, and have not qualified for the UEFA Champions League since the 2018/19 season. The pressure is mounting, and fan protests have become a regular occurrence at the Stadio Olimpico, with supporters expressing their frustration through empty sections and vocal discontent.

“I want players who will spit blood on the pitch and won’t surrender an inch even if things are going badly,” Ranieri declared, fully aware of the mental fortitude his squad must display. “I’m a fan first, a coach second. And fans love those who always give everything they have got.”

The challenges are manifold. Roma’s attack, heavily reliant on Paulo Dybala, has struggled for creativity, while the defence has been leaky, conceding 11 goals in their last four Serie A outings. Ranieri will need to rejuvenate underperforming players like Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante, while also finding a way to integrate Mats Hummels and unlock the potential of Matias Soule, the promising Argentinian winger.

A Daunting Debut Awaits

If Ranieri was hoping for a gentle introduction back into coaching, he is in for a rude awakening. His first match back in charge will be nothing short of a baptism of fire, as Roma face Napoli in the ‘Derby del Sole’ this Sunday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Napoli currently sit atop Serie A, buoyed by a strong start under new coach Antonio Conte, who has revitalised the squad with key signings including Romelu Lukaku and Scott McTominay. However, recent performances have shown signs of vulnerability, with a shocking 3-0 defeat to Atalanta in their last home game.

Despite Lukaku’s struggles in front of goal, Napoli remain the team to beat in Italy, and Ranieri will need to rally his troops for what promises to be a challenging encounter.

With a UEFA Europa League trip to Tottenham and a home fixture against Atalanta on the horizon, Ranieri’s immediate focus will be on instilling a sense of urgency and determination in his players. Improved performances and a fighting spirit will be the bare minimum expected from the squad.

As the excitement builds around Ranieri’s return, the stakes could not be higher. Should he manage to turn the tide, the adoration for the returning Roman hero may reach unprecedented heights.

How to Watch

Fans can catch the action as Napoli take on Roma live on TNT Sports 2 and discovery+ this Sunday, November 24, with kick-off set for 17:00 UK time from the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples. Following this match, viewers can also enjoy live coverage of Lazio v Bologna on TNT Sports 1, kicking off at 19:45.