Roma sack Eusebio Di Francesco following dramatic Champions League exit at the hands of Porto with Claudio Ranieri lined up for return eight years after leaving the club
- Roma sacked Eusebio Di Francesco as their manager on Thursday evening
- It comes after they were knocked out of the Champions League on Wednesday
- Ex-Roma boss Claudio Ranieri is being lined up as Di Francesco’s replacement
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 to Lazio.
Roma have sacked Eusebio Di Francesco as manager following their Champions League exit
Claudio Ranieri, who was sacked by Fulham last week, is likely to take over from Di Francesco
The Italian side were defeated 3-1 on the night by Porto and 4-3 on aggregate after extra time
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.
After Roma’s last-16 exit, Monchi was involved in an altercation with fans at the airport as he returned to Italy on Thursday.
The Roma chief apologised for the incident though he said it was not as bad as reported in the Italian media.
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri was also one of the Italian side’s top choices to take over as manager.
Monchi was involved in an airport altercation following Roma’s Champions League exit
Maurizio Sarri could be offered an escape route from Chelsea with Roma a possible destination
Sarri 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.