At 74 years old, Claudio Ranieri continues to write new chapters in Roma’s history. With the victory in the latest Derby della Capitale against Lazio, Ranieri became the first Roma manager to win his first five derby matches, surpassing the previous record held by Alfredo Foni, who stopped at three wins between 1959 and 1960. Counting four Serie A derbies and a Coppa Italia triumph in 2011, Ranieri’s perfect derby record is a remarkable achievement, especially in modern football.
“There are no special secrets to winning a derby,” said Ranieri post-match. “These games charge themselves emotionally. As a coach, my job is to keep the players calm and allow them to give their all on the pitch.”
Under Ranieri’s guidance, Roma appears to have rediscovered their form and unity, leaving behind the turbulent period under Juric. The players now show better positional discipline and cohesion, crucial elements in their recent success.
“Now we are a team; everyone knows what to do and how to help each other. Maintaining the right distances on the pitch is critical,” said Ranieri. He also defended his decision to reinstate Leandro Paredes and Mats Hummels, both of whom had underperformed earlier in the season: “They are world champions. It was only logical to put them back in the team.”
Ranieri acknowledged the poor first half of the season but expressed optimism about the team’s future: “We had a difficult start, but as Eduardo De Filippo used to say, ‘The night has passed, and now we are starting to see some sunshine.’”
Ranieri called for consistency from his players, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their performance in the upcoming match against Bologna: “We need a great performance in Bologna. It would be terrible not to maintain the same level we showed in the derby.”
He also commented on the altercation during the derby, which marred an otherwise smooth match: “It’s a shame the fight happened. Until that moment, everything had gone smoothly.”
When asked about his future at the club, Ranieri, who is in his third spell with Roma after stints in 2009-2011 and 2019, responded with humility and humor: “They always call me in difficult situations. I put on my helmet and work, being demanding with myself and the players. As for my future, I’m happy to stay until the end of the season, and then God will decide.”
Ranieri’s comments came after Ghisolfi, a senior figure at the club, expressed hope that he would remain for a long time.
Claudio Ranieri’s return to Roma has been nothing short of remarkable. With five derby wins in five attempts, he has etched his name into the club’s history books. His ability to calm and inspire his players, particularly captain Lorenzo Pellegrini, has rejuvenated a struggling Roma side. As they look ahead to their next challenge against Bologna, Ranieri’s leadership and tactical acumen will be key in maintaining momentum. Whether he stays beyond the current season remains uncertain, but for now, Ranieri has brought renewed hope and belief to the Giallorossi faithful.
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