The lure of turning a perpetual bridesmaid like Roma into an actual winner has tempted many an ambitious manager's mettle. From Luciano Spalletti to Luis Enrique to José Mourinho, the chance to cement oneself as an icon in perhaps the most iconic city in the world has proven difficult to resist. Even in the face of unbearable pressure from the local fans and press, the potential rewards of leading Roma to glory outweigh the enormous risk.
While he hasn't necessarily resisted the siren song of the Giallorossi, Carlo Ancelotti, current Real Madrid manager and former Roma midfielder, has always remained just outside of the club's grasp. With more titles than you can count, including a Real record 15 trophies, Ancelotti always felt too rich for Roma's blood. After all, when you spend the bulk of your managerial career working with the likes of Real, Juventus, AC Milan, PSG, and Bayern Munich, to name a few, moving to a club like Roma, whose frustrations often outstrip its finances, would seem an odd career move.
But things may be changing between Ancelotti and his former club...
According to Tuttosport, Claudio Ranieri, who will assume an administrative/advisory role with the club once his coaching tenure is up in May, has his eyes squarely set on Ancelotti as Roma’s next manager. While Ancelotti has one year remaining on his deal with Real Madrid, the club may be keen on replacing the legendary manager with their former midfielder, Xabi Alonso, who could leave Leverkusen a year early to return to Madrid.
While the fates seem to be conspiring in Roma's favor, don't count out the Brazilian FA. With the nation facing a 20+ year World Cup trophy drought and current manager Dorival Junior under pressure, Ancelotti is emerging as a prime candidate for the Seleção job.
Ancelotti to Roma makes sense on several levels, but there are too many moving parts to put much faith in this rumor. Still, if the Roma brass wishes to erase the drama/trauma of 2024, landing Ancelotti isn't a bad way to start.
Stay tuned.