RIP Diogo Jota: You'll never walk alone

CWC Power Rankings: Draw opens up for Chelsea ahead of QFs

When Kaka's AC Milan smashed Boca Juniors 

Wiegman's tournament magic faces its toughest test yet

Al-Hilal reaping the benefits of avoiding CR7 sideshow

Editors' Picks

'They are fed up' - Donovan says Canada frustrated with Marsch

Why do none of Europe's top clubs want to sign Osimhen? 

Diogo Jota dies aged 28 in tragic car accident in Spain

Trent gets up and running as Madrid make CWC last eight

Ronaldo warned 2026 World Cup dream 'will end in tears'

World Cup 2026: Which players will make the Brazil squad?

Transfers LIVE: Juve offer Man Utd three players for Sancho

Juventus offer choice of THREE stars to Man Utd in Sancho swap

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Ranieri retired from coaching last month</li><li>Italy fans want ex-Leicester boss to manage the Azzurri</li><li>Fans react on social media after Italy's loss to Norway</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Claudio Ranieri, your country needs you! Italy fans call for legendary ex-Leicester boss to save country from World Cup failure

<p>In an outpouring of support on social media, supporters of the Italy national team have flooded social media platforms with memes and messages calling for the legendary former Leicester City and Roma manager to take charge and steer the national team away from the brink of World Cup qualification failure.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Italy played their first game of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Norway on Friday, losing the game 3-0 in what was a dominant display from Stale Solbakken's men. In the aftermath of the loss, fans took to social media to post memes, calling for the appointment of Ranieri despite the fact he announced his second retirement from coaching in May. </p><p>According to <a href="https://football-italia.net/ranieri-memes-mock-italy-call-retired-coach/" target="_blank"><em>Football Italia</em></a>, one popular image showed a weary-looking Ben Affleck, his face filled with frustration, symbolizing Ranieri’s reaction to receiving a call from Gabriele Gravina, president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). Another meme featured the iconic coach sporting a white beard, humorously declaring, "One more year, then I’ll stop." However, perhaps the most striking visual was a meme depicting Ranieri’s face illuminated in the night sky, much like the Bat-Signal, urging the return of Italy’s footballing superhero to rescue the Azzurri from World Cup disaster.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>After retiring last summer, Ranieri returned to the Roma dugout for what would be his third stint at the club in November 2024. With the Giallorossi struggling in the lower half of the table, the legendary Italian took them on an incredible 19-game unbeaten run in Serie A since the turn of the year, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/atalanta-roma-unbeaten-ibrahim-sulemana-winner-champions-league/bltbee854c227bcac65#cs3b61b2e5ba45b4e7" target="_blank">which ended following their 2-1 loss to Atalanta in May</a>. Ranieri brought them to the brink of Champions League qualification, and in the 36 games he managed, Roma won 22 games, drawing seven and losing as many.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>The Azzurri will be hoping to return to winning ways in their next game. Luciano Spalletti's men will next face Moldova on Monday, June 9, before facing Estonia and Israel in the next international break in September.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR ITALY?

Claudio Ranieri, your country needs you! Italy fans call for legendary ex-Leicester boss to save country from World Cup failure | Goal.com

Fans of the Italy national team have taken over social media with a barrage of memes, calling for Claudio Ranieri to save the country at the World Cup