Claudio Ranieri has rejected the opportunity to coach the Italian men’s team to continue his role at Roma.
Italy sacked Luciano Spalletti following a 3-0 defeat to Norway last week. Spalletti announced the news himself on Sunday, but still took charge of Italy’s game against Moldova on Monday.
Former Leicester City manager Ranieri led Roma to a fifth place finish in Serie A last season and has taken on a senior advisory role at the club.
After being linked with the Italy job, Ranieri has moved to rule himself out.
“I’d like to thank president [Gabriele] Gravina for the opportunity, a great honour, but I have reflected and decided to remain at Roma’s disposal in my new position completely,” Ranieri told Italian news outlet ANSA.
“The Friedkins have given me their full support and backing for whatever decision I have taken regarding the national team, but the decision is mine alone.”
Italy’s next game is a World Cup qualifier against Estonia in September and all eyes will be on the new manager.
Meanwhile, a Wales fan was taken to hospital on Monday after falling from the stands during their World Cup qualifier against Belgium at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels.
The unnamed supporter fell from the upper tier into the lower tier amid celebrations when Wales equalised with a third goal, according to the Football Association of Wales (FAW).
“He was conscious and speaking and has now been taken to hospital for further checks,” the FAW said in a statement, while no further details about his condition have been released.
Belgium secured a late 4-3 home win against Wales, inflicting their first defeat under new manager Craig Bellamy, following a winning goal from Kevin De Bruyne two minutes from time.
It is the second incident of a fan falling from the stands during an international match in recent days.
UEFA confirmed the death of a spectator during Portugal’s Nations League final win against Spain in Munich on Sunday.
