Claudio Ranieri is poised to make a swift return to management with Roma after they sacked under-fire Eusebio Di Francesco on Thursday.
The 67-year-old, a Roma fan, was sacked as manager of Fulham last week but is close to agreeing terms with Roma to become their caretaker manager until the end of the season.
Di Francesco saw his side crash out of the Champions League to Porto on the back of a disappointing Serie A campaign including a weekend derby defeat by Lazio.
“On behalf of myself and everyone at AS Roma, I’d like to thank Eusebio for his work and his commitment,” President Jim Pallotta told the club website.
“Since returning to the club, Eusebio has always acted professionally and put the club’s needs ahead of his own. We all wish him well for the future.”
Roma want a coach of experience to take over as they plan bigger changes in the summer with sporting director Monchi expected to leave for Arsenal.
Former Sassuolo Coach Di Francesco had taken the job in the summer of 2017 and took Roma to their first Champions League semi-final in decades last season, as well as a top three finish in Serie A.
He is dismissed following 87 competitive games, having won 46, drawn 18 and lost 23.
It’s widely reported Ranieri has been chosen to take over as a caretaker manager until the end of the season.
This would be a return to the Stadio Olimpico for the 67-year-old, a self-confessed Giallorossi supporter, as he already sat on their bench from September 2009 to February 2011.
Another possibility is Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri who is still under pressure at Chelsea despite a recent upturn in form after humiliating defeats away at Bournemouth and Manchester City.
Blues owner Roman Abramovich is set on Champions League qualification next season and that continues to remain in the balance.
Italian media reported Sarri’s contact with Roma last month, while the former Napoli boss has a residence near the Italian capital.
Franco Baldini and president James Pallotta were reported to have had dinner with Sarri in London – talk he laughed off following a 3-0 Europa League win over Malmo.
