Claudio Ranieri appointed Italy's technical director ahead of 75th birthday

Claudio Ranieri has been named the new technical director of the Italy national soccer team as he approaches his 75th birthday in October. The role, created recently, will oversee the senior and youth teams, aiming to fortify Italy's soccer identity. This appointment follows Ranieri's tenure at Roma and comes shortly after Roberto Mancini's return as head coach. Ranieri has retired twice previously but resumed coaching due to a sense of duty to the national team.

• 3:25 PMYahoo Sports — Ranieri goes from retirement to new Italy role at almost 75