Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, the 74-year-old was asked about the Italy vacancy — which arose when Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April after the country's failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time — and was more receptive than he had been twelve months earlier.
"I said no to Italy previously because I already had a job at Roma and could not have two jobs. Right now I am free — so if someone were to call, why not? Never say never."
He was asked whether he would accept a coaching or a directorial role.
"I don't know. When your country calls, you say yes and that's it."
Ranieri took charge of AS Roma in November 2024 following a difficult start to the season, stabilised the club and helped install Gian Piero Gasperini as his successor last summer, taking on a strategic advisory role that formally ended at the end of April. Ranieri's relationship with Gasperini was reportedly not without friction, though Roma sporting director Ricky Massara publicly dismissed suggestions of a breakdown between the two.
Italy are now searching for their third head coach in three years. Roberto Mancini left following the 2022 World Cup failure, Luciano Spalletti guided them to the semi-final of Euro 2024 before leaving, Gattuso's subsequent appointment ended in the same failure to qualify that has become a structural problem for Italian football.
Ranieri's candidacy would bring experience and credibility at a moment when Italian football needs rebuilding from within. At 74, time is not on his side for a long-term project — but as an emergency appointment with the prestige to command respect in the dressing room, his name would immediately register.
He has won a World Cup as a player and a Premier League title as a manager. Italy could do considerably worse.