Claudio Ranieri Counter-Attacking Tactics At AS Roma 2024/2025 – Tactical Analysis

Claudio Ranieri is stepping in as AS Romas fourth manager this year, following a rough start to the 2024/25 season for I Giallorossi.

The 73-year-old announced his retirement last May after helping Cagliari avoid relegation.

He is now returning to help Roma pursue a higher league position and possibly a European spot.

American owner Dan Friedkin has picked him to lead the team after the dismissals of Daniele De Rossi and Ivan Jurić earlier this season.

In this tactical analysis, we will examine the key Claudio Ranieri tactics is implementing at the club and how they could help Roma achieve a higher league-table finish in the second half of the season.

It has been an excellent start for the Italian coach, but what is the expectation for him this season? A UCL spot? A UEL spot? A UECL spot?

Anything is better than how they started this season, but at the end of this article, we will share our view on what success will mean for Ranieri reign here.

Claudio Ranieri Coaching Philosophy

Claudio Ranieri has won 10 trophies throughout his managerial career, including being named The Best FIFA Men’s Coach of 2016 for his achievements with Leicester City, which included winning the Premier League just after being promoted.

His time during Leicesters EPL victory in 2016 is considered one of the greatest fairytale victories in football history.

Claudio Ranieris coaching philosophy is surrounded by flexibility and adaptability in his tactical approach.

The 73-year-old often switches formations and styles of play from one game to the next.

That adaptability earned him praise during his time with Leicester City, where he famously led the team to a Premier League title with a defence-oriented, counterattacking style.

At Roma, Ranieri is likely to implement the same philosophy with the team since they have some very versatile players who can thrive in this tactical system.

He has hinted at employing various formations, possibly alternating between more aggressive home setups and more conservative away approaches.

One thing is sure: He loves a solid defensive core coupled with fast-paced attacking transitions.

His experience with past clubs and his previous role as the manager of Roma can be vital in helping them climb the Serie A table.

Claudio Ranieri Lineup Vs Lazio

Ranieri loves to use a 3-5-2 system, and he employed this formation in Romas recent win over their Rome rivals, SS Lazio.

He likes to have his midfield stacked with players who can effectively play both the 6 and 8 roles, with two players under his main striker.

Leandro Paredes and Manu Koné are two versatile midfielders who can take on both the 6 and 8 roles that Ranieri favours.

They can adapt to multiple positions, dropping into a deep-lying playmaker role when in possession and sitting in a defensive role for zonal marking when out of possession.

They are also progressive passers and can feed players like Paulo Dybala and Stephan El Shaarawy, who will then progress the ball forward.

Dybala playing off Artem Dovbyk is a great striking combination.

The Argentinian feeds their central striker and helps to link with the midfielders behind him.

Dybala can also make those vertical line runs alongside Dovbyk, allowing for a great transition to attack.

Ranieris wing-backs at Roma, Angeliño and Alexis Saelemaekers, are a dream combo.

They offer a high work rate, intelligence, quickness on the counter, and quality crossing.

Romas backline of Gianluca Mancini, Mats Hummels and Evan Ndicka is a classic Ranieri defensive line featuring players with strong physicality.

The only downside I can see with this backline is not having the best progressive passer, Mario Hermoso, starting, but its looking good for the club now.

AS Roma Build-Up Play

In the 3-5-2 setup, either Manu Koné or Leandro Paredes is likely to drop back to help receive the ball, usually from Hummels.

The wing-backs aim to stretch the field as much as possible to create more space in the central gaps.

These tactics enable players like Dybala and El Shaarawy to receive the ball and turn into space to initiate the transition.