[3] Born Assisi, Italy, Ranieri was brought up in Perugia where at school he won medals in football, athletics and chess.
On 30 June 2008, English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur announced they had signed Ranieri following his appearances for Italy at Under-16 level and he would join up the Academy group of players.
[5] On 9 November 2009, English Championship side Ipswich announced that Ranieri would join on loan until the end of the season as cover for regular youth goalkeeper Ian McLoughlin who was unavailable to play in the FA Youth Cup because of age restrictions for that competition,[6] unfortunately Ranieri suffered a broken leg that ended his season early.
[7] On 18 February 2011, English Conference South side Basingstoke Town signed Ranieri on a one-month loan,[8] during which time he made 2 appearances.
[9] Ranieri made a promising start to his time at Viareggio, establishing himself as the club's first choice goalkeeper.