Following the exciting appointment of Claudio Ranieri as Watford Head Coach, here are five things you may not know about our new man...
Position Change
As a player Ranieri was scouted by Roma as a striker, but a goal drought for the Giallorossi led him to play in defence instead, where he stayed throughout his career.
Son Of A Butcher
Despite playing for Roma at the time, a young Ranieri continued to help out at his family’s butcher’s shop. Gianni Di Marzio, Manager of Catanzaro, visited the shop to speak to his parents, and to sign Ranieri.
Zola Connection
Ranieri has had a close relationship with former Watford boss Gianfranco Zola over the years. The former coached a young Zola at Napoli in 1991, and was reunited with the tricky forward at Chelsea a decade later.
Recognised By Royalty
Following Ranieri’s Premier League title win with Leicester City, the Italian was awarded with the Grand Officer of the Italian Order of Merit, an accolade for his then-30 year managerial career, handed to him by the Italian Republic.
Simply The Best
Not only receiving national attention, Ranieri was awarded with FIFA’s “The Best” award, named as 2016’s best manager in the world for Leicester’s triumph. He also received BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year award in the Coach category that year.
