AS Roma’s interim boss Claudio Ranieri has refused to speak on the prospect of securing a permanent managerial role with the Giallorossi at the end of the season. The Italian was appointed at the helm in March after the sacking of Eusebio di Francesco and he has since helped the team stay aloft in the race for the Serie A crown.

Speaking to reporters, Ranieri indicated that the club are fighting hard to make the top four in the standings but they need to show more focus and intelligence during the final four games of the season, he said: “You always have to respect the opposition. The lads are working hard in the fight for fourth. We'd be stupid to underestimate the game. Cagliari never give up, they're having a strong finish to the campaign. We need to be intelligent and focused.”

When asked further about his future, the Italian was non-committal and suggested that he won’t make the approach to any club for the managerial role unless they come forward, he said: “My future? I've never offered myself to a club in my career, and I didn't do it with Roma neither. I am Roma's coach until the end of the season, after that God will see and provide.”

Roma have remained unbeaten for the past five league games with three wins and two draws but they have nonetheless been leapfrogged by Atalanta to the fourth spot with the better run of form. Nonetheless, there are four more games to determine their Champions League fate and Ranieri will be hoping that the team can pounce on any shortcomings from Atalanta.

Meanwhile, the Capital outfit also need to be wary of the teams below them. They are only three points separating them from eighth-placed Lazio and any slip-up hereafter could put them at the risk of missing out on European football altogether.