Claudio Ranieri is overcome with emotion as Roma and Leicester fans come together to give their former boss a heart-warming tribute during their Europa Conference League semi-final in Rome
- Roma and Leicester played in the semi-final of the Europa Conference League
- Tammy Abraham’s early goal was enough to give Jose Mourinho’s side the win
- The fans came together to serenade Claudio Ranieri during the game in Rome
- They all gave him a standing ovation during the game at the Stadio Olimpico
- The former Roma and Leicester boss looked visibly emotional at the reaction
Roma and Leicester City were competing in the semi-final of the Europa Conference League in Rome on Thursday night but their fans came together to serenade Claudio Ranieri.
The iconic Italian football manager – who had spells at both Roma and Leicester – looked visibly emotional as the supporters gave him a standing ovation during the game at the Stadio Olimpico.
The 70-year-old – who was attending the fixture as a fan – was shown on the main screen inside the stadium. The fans instantly stood up and applauded the former boss.
Roma and Leicester City came together to serenade Claudio Ranieri on Thursday night
They all gave him a standing ovation during their Europa Conference League semi-final
Ranieri waved and clapped after hearing their reaction. However, he seemed to become more emotional as the applause went.
Both sets of fans have experienced Ranieri as their own manager. The Italian took charge of Roma between 2009 and 2011, and again in 2019.
He also managed he Foxes between 2015 and 2017 – where he famous helped the club win the Premier League title in 2016.
Ranieri admitted before Leicester’s semi-final with Roma that he would be supporting Jose Mourinho’s side for the fixture.
Speaking ahead of the game Ranieri told Gazetta dello Sport: ‘My relationship with Leicester was purely professional. I’m a Roma fan, and that reconnects me to my childhood. I can’t betray my childhood colours.
‘I think overall Roma have 55% chances of going through because this time around they’re playing at the Olimpico. It’s great to see a full stadium. I want to congratulate the club on its policy regarding ticket prices.
Ranieri admitted before the semi-final that he would be supporting Jose Mourinho’s side
Tammy Abraham’s early goal was enough to give Mourinho’s side the victory on Thursday
‘If you have Mourinho sitting on your bench, you’re in good hands. José said it best last time around, ‘The fans must use their hearts, whereas we must use our heads.’ He’s right. Leicester have struggled and have been less effective when playing away from home.’
Ranieri picked the right team as Tammy Abraham’s early goal was enough to give Mourinho his first appearance in a major European Final for five years.
After last week’s 1-1 draw at the King Power Stadium, Roma will face Feyenoord in Tirana, Albania later in May to win the first edition of the Europa Conference League.