1951: Born in Rome.

1969-1986: Unspectacular playing career with Roma, Catanzaro and Catania.

1986: Takes up first coaching position with Vigor Lamezia.

1987: Moves to Campania.

1988: Takes over at Sardinian club Cagliari.

1991: Joins Napoli in Serie A where he coaches Gianfranco Zola.

1993: Moves to Serie B side Fiorentina.

1994: Wins Serie B title.

1996: Wins Copa de Italia and Supercopa with the Florence club.

1997: Leaves Italy for the first time in his career to take charge of Valencia.

1999: Wins Copa del Rey in Spain.

1999: Joins Atletico Madrid and signs Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink from Leeds for £12 million.

2000: The move turns sour and the club is taken into judicial administration following embezzlement allegations against president Jesus Gil. Ranieri quits in March and Atletico are eventually relegated from the Primera Liga.

September: Chelsea confirm Ranieri's appointment as replacement for ousted coach Gianluca Vialli.