AS Roma Bid Emotional Farewell to Claudio Ranieri at Olimpico

Roma fans created a memorable scene at the Stadio Olimpico as they said goodbye to Claudio Ranieri after the team’s 3-1 win over AC Milan on Sunday.

WHAT HAPPENED?

70,000 Roma supporters showed their appreciation by organizing a grand display with the words “Claudio Ranieri Roma” and banners saying “Ranieri, you are eternal.” The coach, who announced his retirement earlier this season, walked to the center of the field with his grandchildren in an emotional moment. Fans also unfurled banners featuring former stars Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi hugging Ranieri, symbolizing the club’s strong spiritual legacy. After the match, Ranieri spoke to the crowd with tears in his eyes, saying: “Thank you to everyone. I was there among you 60 years ago in those stands. I asked you for help, now we need that final step.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Ranieri’s impact on Roma this season has been remarkable. When he came out of retirement to take charge in November 2024, the team was near the relegation zone after having three different coaches in less than a year. Under his guidance, Roma has been unbeaten in Serie A since December 15, 2024, climbing to fifth place in the standings. The victory against Milan keeps their Champions League qualification hopes alive with just one match remaining in the season. If Roma can secure a top-four finish, they would return to Europe’s top competition after a seven-year absence, completing Ranieri’s fairytale ending.

ROMA’S REVIVAL UNDER RANIERI

The 73-year-old manager, affectionately nicknamed “Sir” by Roma fans, has turned around the team that was in complete disarray earlier this season. Before his arrival, Roma had fired Daniele De Rossi and Ivan Jurić in quick succession following José Mourinho’s dismissal in January 2024. The club was also dealing with off-field issues, including the resignation of CEO Lina Souloukou. Despite announcing his retirement last summer after saving Cagliari, Ranieri couldn’t resist the call from his hometown team. His “heart-driven” approach has resonated with players and fans alike, making his departure even more emotional for the Roma faithful.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR ROMA?

Roma face a crucial final match of the Serie A season as they travel to take on Juventus next Sunday. Currently sitting in fifth place, just two points behind fourth-placed Atalanta and three points behind third-placed Bologna, Roma still have a chance to qualify for next season’s Champions League. It would be the perfect farewell gift for Ranieri if he could guide his boyhood club back to Europe’s elite competition. For the fans, regardless of the final outcome, Ranieri’s short but impactful tenure has restored pride and hope to a club that was in crisis just six months ago. As one banner at the Olimpico aptly stated: “Romanism is the ideal every Roman will always carry.”