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Champions LeagueJuly 30, 2026

Italy needs to get people excited about football again, says Neue

Claudio Ranieri has been appointed as Italy's new technical director to rekindle fans' love of football and improve training conditions for young players.

Italy needs to get people excited about football again, says Neue

Italy needs to get people excited about football again, says newer

According to Soccernews.

Background

Claudio Ranieri, known for his success in club football, is now taking on a key role in the Italian national team. His experience could be crucial to getting the Azzurri on the right track, especially after the turbulent coaching change period and failed World Cup qualification.

Why this is important

Claudio Ranieri has been appointed as technical director of the Italian national team in a bid to revive fans' enthusiasm for the Azzurri. After missing out on entry to the World Cup, it is crucial to regain the trust of supporters and strengthen the identity of Italian football. This could also have an impact on the team's performance in the Nations League, where Italy wants to consolidate its position in international football.

Key findings

  • Italy needs to get people excited about football again, says neuer.
  • Claudio Ranieri has been appointed as Italy's new technical director to rekindle fans' love of football and improve training conditions for young players.
  • Italy must make people fall back in love with football, says new technical director Ranieri.
Claudio Ranieri, newly appointed technical director of the Italian national team, has stressed that his first goal is to make fans fall in love with the Azzurri again. After missing out on entry to the third consecutive World Cup in March, Italy parted ways with Gennaro Gattuso and began a chaotic coaching search. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) held failed talks with Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti before Andrea Pirlo was considered for the post. However, he withdrew his candidacy due to his ties to a Russian betting company. Paolo Maldini, who served as technical director for just 12 days, recently resigned, after which Giovanni Malago, the new FIGC president, named Ranieri as Maldini's successor and re-signed Roberto Mancini as head coach. Image In his introductory press conference, Ranieri promised to change the Italians' relationship with their team. "It's the highlight of my career and I couldn't believe it when I got the call from Giovanni Malago," remarked Ranieri. "I was on the beach - as you can see from my sunburn! I know the situation will be difficult, but my coaching career speaks volumes about how to deal with difficulties. I have never held back. There are two crucial things. First, getting people excited about football again. Second, making sure that children like my 12-year-old grandson, who have never seen Italy at a World Cup, can experience it." Italy is the first former World Cup team not to qualify for three consecutive editions of the tournament. In addition, the national team has not played a knockout game since beating France in the 2006 World Cup final. Ranieri believes the Azzurri's failures are more technical than tactical. He criticized that Italian youth coaches are too focused on results and that basic skills are not sufficiently trained. "We don't have enough players to choose from. We won the U17 European Championship this year because we are good at tactics," explained Ranieri. "But we have to develop the individual techniques in the academies: ball control, movement, crosses, shots. The coaches say they don't have time for that because they have to win. That's the wrong way. You don't start letting children play tennis and throw them straight into the match." Italy will begin their 2026-27 Nations League campaign against Belgium on September 25, followed by two games against Turkey and a challenging trip to France during an extended international break.

What happens next

Ranieri will focus on improving training conditions for young players in Italy in order to develop future talent. In the coming weeks he will likely take initial steps to strengthen the connection between fans and the team. The Azzurri face the challenge of proving themselves in the Nations League and regaining the trust of their supporters.

Frequently asked questions

What has Claudio Ranieri named as the new goal for the Italian national team?

Claudio Ranieri has stressed that his first goal is to make fans fall in love with the Azzurri again.

Who confirmed Claudio Ranieri as the new technical director of the Italian national team?

Giovanni Malago, the new president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), has named Claudio Ranieri as Paolo Maldini's successor.

Why has Claudio Ranieri been appointed technical director now?

Claudio Ranieri was appointed after Italy parted ways with Gennaro Gattuso and a chaotic coaching search that also included failed talks with other coaches.

What changes are planned? t Ranieri for the relationship between the Italians and their national team?

Ranieri plans to change the relationship between Italians and their team and get people excited about football again.

What is the current situation of the Italian national team in relation to World Cup qualification?

Italy failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cups for the first time in history.

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Häufig gestellte Fragen

What has Claudio Ranieri named as the new goal for the Italian national team?
Claudio Ranieri has stressed that his first goal is to make fans fall in love with the Azzurri again.
Who confirmed Claudio Ranieri as the new technical director of the Italian national team?
Giovanni Malago, the new president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), has named Claudio Ranieri as Paolo Maldini's successor.
Why has Claudio Ranieri been appointed technical director now?
Claudio Ranieri was appointed after Italy parted ways with Gennaro Gattuso and a chaotic coaching search that also included failed talks with other coaches.
What changes does Ranieri plan for the relationship between the Italians and their national team?
Ranieri plans to change the relationship between Italians and their team and get people excited about football again.
What is the current situation of the Italian national team regarding World Cup qualification?
Italy failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cups for the first time in history.
What happened in this story?
Italy needs to get people excited about football again, says newer summarizes the main development covered in this report.
Who confirmed this news?
See the source attribution in the article for where this report was first published or corroborated.