Angelino: ‘Everyone at Roma happy if Ranieri were to stay’

ROME, ITALY – MARCH 06: Angelino of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 First Leg match between AS Roma and Athletic Club at Stadio Olimpico on March 06, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Angelino comments on his Roma future and admits everyone ‘would be happy’ if Claudio Ranieri were to postpone retirement, but the squad will miss injured Paulo Dybala.

The versatile defender has played in numerous different roles, including in the centre, as a left-back or in a more advanced wing-back position.

This has been probably his best campaign in the Giallorossi jersey, contributing four goals and six assists in 42 competitive games.

“The credit goes to the team, not just to me. I probably also now play in a role more suited to my characteristics, as coach Ranieri has always put me in the best condition to play,” Angelino told Sky Sport Italia.

“His confident and the performances of the squad make the difference. I am truly happy at Roma and want to continue along this path, as it’s the best period of my career and I want to stay here for a long time.”

Angelino credits Ranieri with Roma boost

It had been a simply disastrous start to the season when Daniele De Rossi and then Ivan Juric were fired, but since coming in as their third boss of the campaign in November, Ranieri has completely revamped Roma’s fortunes.

However, the coach remains adamant he intends to retire when his contract expires on June 30.

“We all love him, he has done incredible things for us. We would be happy if he were to stay,” added Angelino.

“When I was at Manchester City, I didn’t often see Pep Guardiola in training, but you could still feel his work in the team. You realise it more when you change club, you learn something from him.”

Angelino also played for the likes of PSV Eindhoven, Mallorca, RB Leipzig and Galatasaray in his career.

“Defending is fundamental in Italy, because every team is tactically well-prepared and it becomes difficult to create scoring opportunities. I feel that I have really improved in that aspect.”

Roma’s hopes of clinching a top four finish took a hit with news that Dybala will be out for the rest of the season following surgery for a muscular tear.

“It’s really sad, for the team and above all for him. Paulo was going through a great period of form, he was playing regularly and giving an important contribution to the squad. It is a serious injury, but we hope he can return as soon as possible, even stronger than before.

“Naturally, he’s not happy, but he remains close to the group and can help us from off the field,” concluded Angelino.