epa11870988 Roma’s head coach Claudio Ranieri (L) interacts Napoli’s head coach Antonio Conte (R) during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AS Roma and SSC Napoli, in Rome, Italy, 02 February 2025. EPA-EFE/RICCARDO ANTIMIANI

Several candidates have been linked with the Roma job in 2025-26 as Claudio Ranieri is expected to step back at the end of the season. The experienced Italian tactician returned to the Stadio Olimpico in November for his third stint as Roma coach, replacing the sacked Ivan Juric. Roma did not only confirm Ranieri’s appointment but also said the 73-year-old would have an input in choosing his successor for 2025-26.

It’s an important time at the Stadio Olimpico as the Giallorossi attempt to push on after a season of change and upheaval. This article will assess the names being linked with the soon-to-be vacant hotseat and weigh up which coach could be handed the gig.

The Story of the Season

At the outset of the 2024-25 campaign, fans assessing the best odds for Sports Betting will have noticed Roma were among the main candidates to get a top-four finish in Serie A. However, the club made a shock decision in September, suddenly sacking club legend Daniele De Rossi. A large section of the fanbase were enraged the Friedkin ownership group could make such a move to remove an icon who was Roma through and through.

Matters were made when De Rossi’s successor Ivan Juric was not up to the task, winning only four of the 12 games he oversaw. The Croatian was dismissed after barely two months by Ranieri.

Renewed Hope with Ranieri

Under the Italian’s guidance, the Giallorossi have gained consistent results, moving just four points below the top four. Nevertheless, Ranieri seems unwilling to change his mind and is still expected to leave his role at the end of the current campaign.

“Retirement is the right thing,” Ranieri said in his latest interview with Sky Sport Italia in March. 

“When I arrived, I found a strong squad that had lost some of its self-belief. I just tried to get them united, to give them that confidence, to give them what they deserved to have. They got back together and have done a great deal. Now comes the wonderful and difficult part.

“We must continue with the same light-hearted approach that we’ve had so far, trying to continue making our fans fall in love with this side.”

Should Roma qualify for Europe with the team on course to secure a place in the top six or higher, the new man will arrive at a club boasting real quality in the team and a loyal and passionate fan base.

The Names in the Frame

Several candidates have been linked with the Roma job in the next campaign. Maurizio Sarri, Stefano Pioli and Vincenzo Montella are among them, according to a recent Gazzetta dello Sport report.

Francesco Farioli, Roberto Mancini and Massimiliano Allegri have also been mentioned as possible Ranieri successors.

Genoa boss Patrick Vieira is the latest name linked with the soon-to-be vacant post. The former Arsenal and Juventus midfielder, has impressed at Stadio Luigi Ferraris, conceding only 16 goals in 20 matches and losing only five times in 19 matches.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, who made 171 league appearances for the Giallorosso during his playing career, winning Serie A in 1983, has also been linked with a sensational return. 

Should the iconic manager end the season with no trophies, the LaLiga giants could decide to make a change and should he become available, Roma could make a move which would be sure to excite fans and neutrals alike.

Erik ten Hag who enjoyed success with Ajax before being dismissed by Manchester United who is currently out of work but has the credentials to lead one of Europe’s top sides aiming to take the next step.

Could Roma Land Atalanta’s Gasperini?

Gian Piero Gasperini was understood to be high on the Giallorossi’s agenda after huge, sustained success with Atalanta. Over eight years, the coach has turned the club into European regulars with consistently strong league finishes and the team lifted the Europa League in 2024. 

However, Ranieri has recently insisted his compatriot would not be the next Roma boss.

In March though, the Atalanta boss broke his silence on rumours linking him with a move to the Stadio Olimpico and talked up the Giallorossi

“Just like Italy, who wouldn’t love to coach Roma? Gasperini told Sky Italia. “We are talking about an extraordinary place with an extraordinary public. I’m proud to be linked to the Giallorossi, but I prefer to focus on the short-term and Atalanta.

“We coaches live in the present and nine games are remaining. It’s a situation I’ve experienced for nine years, and it happens often when you spend a lot of time in the same environment. Until now, it’s been an extraordinary part of my life.”

Gasperini’s contract with Atalanta expires in 2026, but the 67-year-old recently refused to rule out a summer exit adding that he would not sign a further extension.

Ranieri a Key Part of the Process

Claudio Ranieri boasts 40 years of managerial experience and is leading the hunt for the next long-term appointment with Roma sporting director Florent Ghisolfi.

Starting his career with the Giallorossi in 1973, Ranieri took his first role as boss with Vigor Lamezia and led the side to a 12-match unbeaten run. This is the Italian’s third spell with Roma, having also coached a host of top footballing names including Napoli Inter, Juventus, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid.

However, his crowning moment came in 2015-16 as he guided Leicester City, tipped for relegation that season, to win the Premier League title. It was a fairytale journey and one of the most stunning football stories in recent times.

Looking to the job of finding the new Roma boss for the 2925-2 season, Ranieri said: “We will give a list of candidates to the president and he will choose.”

“Roma wants to get to the top and we know that for the next two markets we cannot spend crazily. Whoever comes must know these things. 

“If I stayed as coach, we would lose a year. I am not the future of Roma. Whoever comes must be the future of Roma.”

Summing Up

Roma are one of the most historic and storied clubs in Italy and Europe and remain an attractive proposition for managers around the world. As the Giallorosso aim to compete in Europe and claim titles, supporters will be expecting a proven name or a coach that has shown he has the potential to take a club to the top.