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Key facts on Claudio Ranieri, who has been sacked by Juventus.

EARLY LIFE:

Born in October 1951 in Rome, he began his football career as a defender with Roma, Catanzaro and Catania (five years in Serie A). His first coaching job was with amateur side Vigor Lamezia in 1985.

RANIERI AS COACH:

The Italian began his managerial career with Campania before guiding Cagliari from the third division into Serie A between 1989 and 1991. His next move was to Napoli, where he was unable to bring success.

Ranieri was then appointed Fiorentina manager and led the club into Serie A in 1994, tasting Italian Cup and Super Cup glory in 1996.

Ranieri moved to Spain with Valencia, adding the 1999 Spanish Cup to his honours list. He left to take on the onerous task of managing Atletico Madrid in mid-1999. His tenure at the troubled club was short.

CHELSEA:

Ranieri replaced Gianluca Vialli at Chelsea in September 2000. Ranieri guided Chelsea into sixth place in the league in his first season, helping them to qualify for the UEFA Cup.

After new Russian billionaire owner Roman Abramovich took over in July 2003, Ranieri suffered constant speculation over his future. Despite this he steered Chelsea to second in the league, their highest position for 49 years, and to the Champions League semi-finals where they were beaten by Monaco.

He was however sacked in May 2004.

JUVENTUS:

He replaced Didier Deschamps in June 2007 after Juve had returned to Serie A following their demotion for match-fixing.

A third-placed finish in their first season back was widely praised and this term started well with home and away wins over Real Madrid in the Champions League. Performances dropped alarmingly late in the campaign though and he was sacked with a Champions League place at risk.

RANIERI, THE MAN:

Ranieri's training sessions are known to be tough, while his style of play demands fitness and a strong work ethic.

His public persona is that of the classic Italian 'Mister', the strict tactician who demands total respect, but 'off duty' he is charming and gregarious and he is widely respected within the Italian game.

Reuters