Ranieri ‘lucky’ with Roma comeback, but still has ‘many’ dreams

Former Roma coach Claudio Ranieri insists he was ‘lucky’ to climb the Serie A table with the Giallorossi last season but admits he still has ‘many’ dreams to fulfil.

Ranieri spoke to reporters in Rome on Saturday morning, just hours before Juventus-Roma.

The former coach has become a figure that united Italy, a reporter noted.

Ranieri: ‘My dreams have been fulfilled’

Claudio Ranieri looks on during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AS Roma and AC Milan, in Rome, Italy, 18 May 2025. EPA-EFE/ANGELO CARCONI

“Honestly, I felt my heart beating only when I came to the Olimpico to watch Roma and, as a fan, I wondered whether I’d ever play there as a footballer,” said Ranieri via TMW.

“My dreams have been fulfilled, and I’m really satisfied with what I’ve done. I still have many, but one has to work hard to reach them.”

Ranieri was appointed as the Roma coach in November 2024, replacing Ivan Juric and managed to put the Giallorossi back on track, coming close to Champions League qualification.

Ranieri ‘lucky’ at Roma in 2024-25

epa12114563 Roma�s Gianluca Mancini celebrates with his teammates and head coach Claudio Ranieri (L) after scoring the 1-0 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AS Roma and AC Milan, in Rome, Italy, 18 May 2025. EPA-EFE/ANGELO CARCONI

Ranieri has remained at the club as a Roma director and had an input in hiring Gian Piero Gasperini as his successor.

“I was lucky to have golden boys and at least 60,000 fans pushing us in every home at the Olimpico. I had said it when I arrived. We couldn’t have made it alone and the fans pushed and encouraged us every single time,” Ranieri concluded.