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Panthers fans throw rats on ice after wild 5-1 win vs. Oilers

Plastic rats rained down at Amerant Bank Arena as the Florida Panthers dominated the Edmonton Oilers, 6–1, in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. The strange yet beloved tradition stole the spotlight once again. LET THE RATS HIT THE ICE 🐀 THE PANTHERS TAKE GAME 3 OF THE #STANLEYCUP FINAL 😼 pic.twitter.com/atHlBWhChD — Sportsnet […]

The post Panthers fans throw rats on ice after wild 5-1 win vs. Oilers appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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The 5 holiday hotspots where medieval children’s virus is resurging – amid warning to Brits heading abroad

A MEDIEVAL virus that can cause deadly side effects in some children is surging through holiday hotspots, health officials have warned.

Almost 1,000 measles cases were reported across 29 European countries in April alone, warned the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

Close-up of measles rash on a person's neck and shoulder.
Getty
Health authorities have warned Brits about measles cases in European holiday spots[/caption]

Cases were highest in destinations popular with UK travellers, such as France, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium and Romania.

It comes after British health authorities sounded the alarm over a potential surge of measles in England, warning families may bring back the contagious disease after travel abroad this summer.

They urged families to make sure their kids are up to date with their vaccines before going on holiday – taking special care they’ve received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab.

A dip in childhood vaccinations – including the jab that protects against measles – in England leaves more children at risk of disease, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) explained.

“Measles is an acute, highly contagious viral disease capable of causing epidemics,” the ECDC wrote in its report.

“It is a serious disease that can lead to complications and even death.”

The infection starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash and white spots in the mouth a few days later.

In some cases, the virus can lead to life-threatening complications, like brain inflammation and pneumonia.

The best way to protect yourself from getting ill is getting the MMR vaccine.

But if you haven’t received the jab, it’s almost 100 per cent likely you’ll get infected if you come in contact with someone with measles, according to the ECDC.

In April 2025, 975 measles cases were reported by 18 EU countries, the ECDC said.

“The highest case counts were reported by Romania (402), France (186), Netherlands (111), Belgium (100) and Spain (52),” it wrote.

The health watchdog noted that case numbers for April were lower than those reported in March – but it said a number of measles outbreaks have been reported in the region in the past year.

Countries such as Italy have also seen high case numbers – with 85 reported in March and 36 in April.

Between May 2024 and April 2025, 30 European countries reported a total of 22,481 cases of measles.

Almost half (44 per cent) occurred in children under the age of five, while 29 per cent occurred in people aged 15 and over.

“The highest notification rates were observed in infants under one year of age and children aged one to four years,” the ECDC wrote.

Health authorities were given information about people’s vaccination status for 20,669 cases of the cases reported in the last 12 months.

Eighty-five per cent of them occurred in unvaccinated patients and another 9 per cent occurred in people with just one dose of the MMR jab.

Among the 7,194 cases reported in children aged one to four, 84 per cent were unvaccinated and 10 per cent had one dose of a measles-containing vaccine.

The main symptoms of measles

MEASLES is highly contagious and can cause serious problems in some people.

The infection usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later.

The first signs include:

  • A high temperature
  • A runny or blocked nose
  • Sneezing
  • A cough
  • Red, sore, watery eyes

Small white spots may then appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips.

A rash tends to come next. This usually starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.

The spots are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches. They are not normally itchy.

The rash looks brown or red on white skin. It may be harder to see on darker skin.

Complications are rare, but measles can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, seizures, and sometimes death.

Source: NHS

The first MMR vaccine is offered to infants when they turn one year old and the second dose to pre-school children when they are around three years and four months old.

“Infants under one year are particularly vulnerable to measles and its complications,” the ECDC wrote.

“They are best protected by a high level of herd immunity.”

Fourteen deaths as a result of measles were reported to ECDC during the 12-month period – twelve of these in Romania and two in France.

There were 127,350 cases of measles in Europe last year, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

This was double the amount reported in 2023 and the highest number since 1997.

And UKHSA said that so far this year, outbreaks have been documented in France, Italy, Spain and Germany.

The health watchdog said it was “concerned that more outbreaks may occur again on a larger scale this summer as families with unvaccinated children and adults travel to countries where there are outbreaks”.

“Measles is one of the most highly infectious diseases and spreads rapidly among those who are unvaccinated,” it stressed.

Since the start of the year, there have been 420 confirmed infections in England, 109 of these in April and 86 in May – though UKHSA said the figures for last month are likely to be an underestimate.

Dr Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, issued a warning to Brits for the summer: “It’s essential that everyone, particularly parents of young children, check all family members are up to date with 2 MMR doses, especially if you are travelling this summer for holidays or visiting family.

“Measles cases are picking up again in England and outbreaks are happening in Europe and many countries with close links to the UK.

a poster showing the measles symptoms timeline

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I was called a ‘fat pig’ at the gym by a small sausage energy bloke – I’m raging… and his response stunned me even more

A WOMAN who was fat shamed at the gym has admitted she was even more stunned by the man’s response.

Jade explained that she was getting her “steps in” on the treadmill when she was approached by another gymgoer.

Woman in a car, looking thoughtful.
Jade has left people shocked after sharing how she was fat shamed at the gym
TikTok/@jadeashleigh_xo
Photo of a person wearing a pink shirt, animal print pants, and Converse shoes. Text overlay reads, “Jade’s a nurse, ask her, she’ll know.”
TikTok/@jadeashleigh_xo
The man told her she needed to “walk faster” to lose weight, and then called her a “fat pig”[/caption]

“And he goes, ‘you know if you walked a bit faster, you might lose a bit of weight‘,” Jade said in a video on her TikTok page.

And when she asked if he was talking to her, the man replied: “Yeah, do I have to speak fat pig for you to understand?”

Jade added that after the shocking incident, she realised her best response would have been to “oink” at him.

Instead, she asked what gave him the “confidence” to talk to her like that, to which he “walked off and ignored me”.

She then told the staff at the gym, who “chucked him out”, but questioned how “men have the audacity” to speak to women like that.

“I hope he’s embarrassed,” Jade continued, admitting she’d had to get herself a doughnut afterwards.

“I’m not embarrassed. I just carried on doing my thing!”

“I was like, I’m just gonna get back on the treadmill,” Jade, who is walking 60 miles in June to raise money for the Young Minds Trust, continued.

“Not that it’s ever okay to call someone fat but why are you especially calling them fat in an in an environment in which they are actively trying to be less fat?

“Make it make sense!”

She concluded by calling him a “small sausage joker”, before adding in the caption: “Just me and my doughnut getting fat shamed.”

People immediately raced to the comments section to have their say on the shocking behaviour, as one wrote: “Get his gym membership removed !! Report! Vile!”

“Please if you have the energy follow this up with management to ensure he is not allowed back,” another said.

“This is absolutely vile behaviour.”

“I am shocked! What did the gym staff say when you complained?” a third asked.

“They were so good, they went and spoke to him straightaway and asked him to leave,” Jade replied.

“They made sure I was okay as well and checked in again before I left.”

“Fat shaming someone who is actively working out at the gym is some low IQ behaviour,” someone else pointed out.

“Exactly why I won’t use gyms, rather get fit in my living room,” another agreed.

“Ughhhhh men ruin this planet I swear!” someone else raged.

As another wrote: “Some men just hate happy confident women.

“As a bigger person on a weight loss journey who’s had a similar experience, I always say well being fat ain’t stopped me from getting f**ked!”

“Gross behaviour,” someone else raged.

“No matter if your small wanting to build muscle or bigger wanting to lose weight, it takes guts to step into a gym and do something about it.

“People like that are mostly confused by confident people who are secure in their own bodies, when they’re insecure in theirs.”

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Win a share of $3000 in golden chips in these live trivia quizzes

JOIN the bi-weekly live trivia quizzes for the chance to win a share of $3000 in golden chips.

After each quiz, those who have qualified for part of the prize pot will be awarded an equal share of the $3000 in golden chips. If no one qualifies in a given quiz, the pool will be rolled over. 

JOIN SUN BINGO NOW AND GET A £60 BINGO BUNDLE TO PLAY WITH*

Have you got the brains to win the gains? See how to get involved. 

Who?

To sign up to this virtual quiz with Sun Bingo, you must be a sunbingo.co.uk registered player, UK and ROI resident, and aged 18+ years old (registration and ID verification are required).

Please be aware that promotion is available across multiple sites within the Playtech network and there may be multiple winners across multiple sites.  

HOW TO PLAY BIG TOP TOMBOLA

What?

During our live trivia quizzes, all participants will be asked 10 multiple-choice questions.

All players will be asked the same questions, in the same order.

A correct answer will earn the player 100 points. An incorrect or invalid answer will earn 0 points. After all 10 questions have played, those that have earned at least 700 points (7/10 in the quiz) will receive a share of the prize pot.

Each quiz has a prize pot of $3000 in golden chips to be won. If no one qualifies, the pot rolls over. 

Win Golden Chips playing Trivia Games with Sun Bingo hosts.

When?

The quizzes take place every Tuesday and Thursday until 18th December 2025.

As the start and end times may vary, make sure to check the schedule on the Big Quiz Trivia Night promo page for accuracy. 

Where?

Take a seat at the Big Quiz Trivia live table to take part. If you’re lucky enough to win golden chips, these can be used on any live table that accepts golden chips.

GET TO KNOW OUR 10/10 CHAT HOST SARAH

Why?

It’s about time that we rewarded the brainy players out there. While most of our games are pure chance, why not take the opportunity to control your wins by playing in our live quizzes? Come and have a go if you think you’re clever enough. 

How do I get my golden chips?

Players will be credited their winning share in golden chips within 72 hours of winning. All prizes will be paid in golden chips. The golden chips will expire 7 days after being credited.   

All prizes will appear in USD. The winning players will be paid their share of the prize according to the currency of their account in accordance with the exchange rate applicable on the day of payment.

ARE YOU A QUIZ MASTER? JOIN THE LIVE TRIVIA QUIZZES NOW

Big Quiz Trivia Games are available in selected live tables throughout the year. They are free to join. Please check the big quiz schedule for specific times of events. Prizes in golden chips. There is no wagering. 18+. T&C apply. 

*New customers only. Register, deposit £10 and spend £10 on bingo tickets to receive £40 bingo bonus (accept within 48 hours and wager 4x within seven days) and £20 side games bonus (accept within 48 hours and wager 20x within 30 days) on Rainbow Riches in the bingo lobby. Both bonuses must be accepted in the bingo lobby. Only completed games are credited. Debit cards only. Deposits made with Neteller/Skrill/PayPal are not valid for this promotion. 18+. T&Cs apply.

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply.

Remember to gamble responsibly 

A responsible gambler is someone who: 

  • Establishes time and monetary limits before playing 
  • Only gambles with money they can afford to lose 
  • Never chases their losses 
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed 
  • Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk 
  • Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org 

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. 

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

About the author

Katrina Vasey - Bingo Editor, The Sun

After graduating from Southampton University with a degree in English Literature, Katrina Vasey worked as a Content Editor for Law Business Research’s publication the International Law Office. Katrina joined The Sun in 2022 as the Bingo Editor, covering the four gaming platforms: Sun BingoFabulous BingoSun Vegas and Fabulous Vegas

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Andy Carroll and Billi Mucklow sell home for eye-watering seven figure sum after split – as he moves on with girlfriend

ANDY Carroll and ex Billi Mucklow can finally make a fresh start after selling their plush pad for a whopping seven-figure sum, The Sun can exclusively report.

In November, we reported how the former West Ham ace had put his Essex pile on the market with an £8.5million price tag.

Andy Carroll, a soccer player, runs with the ball during a match.
AFP
Andy Carroll can make a fresh start after selling the stunning Essex pad he shared with ex Billi Mucklow for a whopping fee[/caption]
Andy Carroll and Lou holding hands on holiday.
Instagram
The ex West Ham ace is loved up with celebrity stylist Lou Teasdale[/caption]
Andy Carroll and Billi Mucklow at the Pride of Britain Awards.
Getty
We revealed his plans to divorce TOWIE alum Billi Mucklow last year[/caption]

It came just two months after The Sun revealed how sports star Andy and former TOWIE alum Billi, 37, were set to divorce, following two turbulent years of marriage.

Andy, 36, then went Instagram official with his romance with celeb make-up artist Lou Teasdale, 41, in October, with the lovebirds flaunting their romance in a recent trip to Ibiza.

Yet the property transaction, with the huge home now under offer, will no doubt be positive news for the footballer moving forward.

Andy, now with French side Bordeaux, bought the six-bed house in Essex from singer Sir Rod Stewart five years ago for £4.1million.

It is set in 25 acres and boasts a pool, tennis court, boating lake and football pitch.

The estate agents branded the pad an “impressive Grade II listed country house in a spectacular setting with far reaching panoramic views.”

A source previously opened up on mum of three Billi’s hurt and her reluctance for Andy to now arrive at the property unnannounced.

They said: “Billi has been left hurt and blind-sided that Andy appears to have moved on so quickly with Lou. It feels very public and embarrassing, especially as they only split in summer.

“Billi has a close-knit family and they have been left livid with Andy over his lack of loyalty, but are rallying around her to support her.

“Billi wants to cut ties but she doesn’t like the idea that Andy can come and go as he pleases.

“She realises the house is part of their divorce discussions, but she doesn’t want him turning up unannounced, particularly with his new girlfriend.”

HAPPY CHAPTER

The property sale follows The Sun’s exclusive reveal that the former Premier League ace had set his sights on getting wed – as he admitted his divorce from Billi Mucklow, 37, “can’t come quickly enough”.

His plans to propose to glam girl Lou came after he told pals he is “madly in love” with the stylist.

Recently, Lou had taken to her Instagram page to upload a series of snapshots showing her in Milan, Italy.

Andy was quick to comment: “WIFEY,” along with a ring Emoji.

Lou responded with a melting face Emoji to show her emotion.

Andy has also spoken candidly about his “different world” with Lou shortly after the pair jetted off on their first holiday together as a couple.

Pals now say he intends to wed former One Direction hair stylist Lou when his divorce with his baby mamma Billi is finalised.

A friend said: “Lou is already telling her mates they have discussed marriage and Andy thinks he’s met his soulmate.

“Their connection is so strong.

“He has never felt like this before.”

Woman in a white top and pink skirt on a Maldives vacation.
Instagram
Mum of three Billi didn’t want Andy turning up at their home unannounced after the break-up[/caption]
Lou Teasdale and Andy Carroll on holiday.
Andy’s pals claim he is set to propose to One Direction stylist Lou
Andy Carroll and Lou Teasdale relaxing on a beach lounger, looking at a phone.
Goff
Sources claim their connection is ‘so strong’[/caption]

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20 mistakes that could see your benefits from Universal Credit to PIP STOPPED – how to avoid

A HOST of simple mistakes could see your benefits stopped, from Universal Credit to PIP.

If you’re on benefits, it’s up to you to report any change in circumstances that might affect what you are entitled to.

GOV.UK benefits website screenshot.
Alamy
A number of changes need to be reported if you want to carry on receiving benefits[/caption]

If you do not, your claim might be stopped or reduced.

If you have been paid too much, you might have to pay some of the money back as well as a £50 penalty.

In a worse case scenario, not reporting a change in circumstances can be classed as benefit fraud which is illegal.

The types of changes in circumstances you have to report vary depending on your benefit.

However, there is a list on the government’s website with the main changes you need to report. The list of 20 is:

  • changing your name or gender
  • finding or finishing a job, or working different hours
  • your income going up or down
  • starting or stopping education, training or an apprenticeship
  • moving house
  • people moving into or out of the place you live (for example your partner, a child or lodger)
  • the death of your partner or someone you live with
  • having a baby
  • starting or stopping caring for someone
  • getting married or divorced
  • starting or ending a civil partnership
  • planning to go abroad for any length of time
  • going into hospital, a care home or sheltered accommodation
  • any changes to your medical condition or disability
  • changing your doctor
  • changes to your pension, savings, investments or property
  • changes to other money you get (for example student loans or grants, sick pay or money you get from a charity)
  • changes to the benefits you or anyone else in your house gets
  • you or your partner getting back-pay (sometimes called “arrears”) for salary or earnings you’re owed
  • changes to your immigration status, if you’re not a British citizen

If you claim Child Benefit, you also need to report changes to your child’s circumstances.

You need to tell HMRC if your child:

  • starts getting Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • changes their name by deed poll
  • gets married or forms a civil partnership
  • moves in with their partner
  • goes missing

You also need to report if: your child is staying in or leaving education around their 16th birthday, they move away from home, they go into hospital or care, their gender changes or they die.

It’s worth looking on the government’s website for changes you need to report for your benefit.

Some benefits require you report specific things that you don’t have to report if you’re on another benefit.

For example, those on Universal Credit need to report if their rent goes up or down.

This is because housing costs impact what you receive in the housing element of Universal Credit.

Meanwhile, if you’re on PIP, you need to report if you need more or less help with daily living and mobility tasks.

This is because the amount you receive in the benefit is based on how much you struggle with daily living.

How to report a change in circumstances

Who you need to report a change in circumstances to depends on what benefit you receive.

Here is how to report them for the main benefits:

Universal Credit – Report changes using your Universal Credit online account if you have one or contact the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.

Pension Credit – Call the Pension Service helpline on 0800 731 0469 or report changes by post. The address is on the letters you get about your Pension Credit.

Attendance Allowance – Call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122.

Disability benefits – Call the Disability Service Centre to report changes if you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or PIP. The number to call is 0800 121 4433.

Carer’s Allowance – Report a change online or call the Carer’s Allowance Unit on 0800 731 0297.

Housing Benefit – Tell your local council about changes if you get Housing Benefit. You can find what local council area you fall under via www.gov.uk/find-local-council.

Child Benefit – Report changes using the Child Benefit online service or call on 0300 200 3100.

All other benefits – Call Jobcentre Plus to report changes. You need to have your National Insurance number when you call. You can find your nearest Jobcentre Plus via find-your-nearest-jobcentre.dwp.gov.uk.

What happens if you don’t report a change in circumstances

If you’ve not reported a change in circumstances and have been overpaid, you’ll have to pay it back.

You should get a letter from DWP Debt Management explaining how to repay and manage any benefit money you owe.

You can pay back the overpayment in full or set up regular monthly payments.

If you need help managing repayments, you can contact the DWP Debt Management contact centre on 0800 916 0647.

If you are found to have been overpaid due to your own negligence or error you may also have to pay a £50 penalty.

If you’re suspected to have committed benefit fraud, you’ll be contacted by the DWP, HMRC, the Defence Business Services or your local authority.

If you are found to have committed benefit fraud, one or more of the following may happen:

  • you’ll be told to pay back the overpaid money
  • you may be taken to court or asked to pay a penalty (between £350 and £5,000)
  • your benefits may be reduced or stopped

More information on this can be found via www.gov.uk/benefit-fraud.

Are you missing out on benefits?

YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to

Charity Turn2Us’ benefits calculator works out what you could get.

Entitledto’s free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit.

MoneySavingExpert.com and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto’s data.

You can use Policy in Practice’s calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you’ll have left over each month after paying for housing costs.

Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

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Dunnes Stores fans set to love cute new €20 cardigan for summer and it comes in two colours

DUNNES Stores fans are set to love the latest cardigan in stores that is perfect for parties and the office.

The new Short-Sleeved Button Cardigan is priced at just €20.

Woman wearing a beige cardigan, brown pants, and sandals, holding a straw handbag.
DunnesStores.ie
The new Short-Sleeved Button Cardigan is just €20[/caption]
Pink short-sleeved cardigan with wooden buttons.
DunnesStores.ie
This new look is perfect for parties or everyday wear[/caption]

Dunnes Stores has the perfect versatile look that can take you from the office to the pub this summer.

Get the new short-sleeved button cardigan for as little as €20 to add some flair to your outfit.

Style this look with wide-leg jeans and slingback leather flats for the perfect chic work look.

Go from day to night with this versatile item as it is a must have for this summer season.

Swap the trainers for heels as you step out in a white midi skirt, scoop neck top and dainty silver jewellery.

Add an elegant feel to your outfit when you pair the button front cardigan with this look – ideal for special occasions.

Crafted from a cotton-rich fabric, the cardigan is designed with short-sleeves with a button-through front detailing.

Chic meet cute as the wide ribbed trim and puff sleeves help create a lovely choice for the unpredictable weather.

Sizes range from XS-XL in this new wardrobe must have.

Buy your favorite or both as they are available in stores and online.

Run, don’t walk to Dunnes Stores for the newest dress of the summer.

Designed with a flattering V-neckline, a button-through front, and a sleeveless silhouette it is a steal for just €25.

Dunnes said: “It offers a breezy, elegant fit that’s perfect for everything from casual outings to summer soirees.”

Choose from the blue or black colours for a simple, classy look, as both feature a white polka dot design all over.

Or you can also switch it up with the light pink that is decorated with eye-catching red spots along the dress.

Go from beach to bar with a wedge sandal and white shawl for an “elegant fit”.

With sizes starting from 8 and going up to 22, this dress is for everyone this summer.

All colours are available online and in select stores across the country.

Dunnes Stores sign on a brick building.
Dunnes Stores have all the latest summer looks now in stores
Garrett White

THE HISTORY OF DUNNES STORES

DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit.

Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland’s first ‘shopping frenzy’.

During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne’s ‘Better Value’ bargains.

Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 – starting with apples and oranges.

The retailer said: “Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town.

“Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong.

“Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas.”

The retailer’s first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960.

They added: “In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed.

“Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England.”

Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.

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Claudio Ranieri, 73, SNUBS Italy for shock new job with club that just replaced him as manager

CLAUDIO Ranieri plunged Italian FA chiefs into crisis when he rejected the chance to take over the national side.

Former Chelsea and Leicester boss Ranieri, 73, had been lined up to replace Luciano Spalletti, sacked following the Azzurri’s humiliating 3-0 World Cup qualifying defeat by Norway.

Luciano Spalletti on a soccer pitch.
Splash
Luciano Spalletti stepped down as the Italy manager[/caption]
Claudio Ranieri, AS Roma head coach, at the Torino FC vs AS Roma match.
Claudio Ranieri has turned down the job
Shutterstock Editorial

Ex-Napoli chief Spalletti stepped down after overseeing the underwhelming win over Moldova, which kept Italy on track for a potential play-off place.

But in a shock U-turn after days of discussions, self-proclaimed “Tinkerman” Ranieri revealed he was turning down the job.

Ranieri left the Roma dug-out last month after the Stadio Olimpico side missed out on a Champions League place on the final weekend of the Serie A season.

It was understood he had been sacked.

Yet Ranieri has opted to STAY with Roma, in a consultancy role for owners the Friedkin family, rather than take charge of the Italy side, informing FA President Gabriele Gravina of his unexpected decision.

Ranieri explained: “I thank President Gravina for the opportunity, a great honour.

“But I reflected and decided to remain at the disposal of Rome in my new role in a total way.

“The Friedkins have given me their full support and backing for any decision I made regarding the national team, but the decision is mine alone.”

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Ranieri, who was replaced at the club by former Atalanta chief Gian Piero Gasperini, added that it was HIS decision to end his managerial career.

He said: “I decided to give up, the Friedkins had left me free to choose.

“But I had promised to stop. If I had wanted to continue we would not have taken Gasperini.

“Now I only want to think about Rome.”

Gravina is now starting the search for Spalletti’s replacement all over again.

Spalletti’s predecessor, Roberto Mancini, who quit in August 2023 but lasted just 14 months as Saudi Arabia boss, might be an option despite being recently appointed as technical director at former club Sampdoria.

Gravina may also target former Inter Milan, Lazio and AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli, 59, who was dismissed by the San Siro outfit last summer and is managing Cristiano Ronaldo at Saudi side Al-Nassr.

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