Claudio Ranieri

Greece coach Claudio Ranieri has been forced to make two more changes to his squad for Friday's Euro 2016 qualifer against the Faroe Islands due to injuries.

The Greek soccer federation denied on Monday media reports that it has lost confidence in national coach Claudio Ranieri.

"There is no problem of collaboration with Mr Claudio Ranieri. Anything written or spoken in the media or rumored bears no relation to reality,» a statement by the federation said.

Greece coach Claudio Ranieri has dropped striker Georgios Samaras from the national team after a dismal start to European Championship qualifying.

Samaras, who plays for West Bromwich Albion, is one of Greeces best-known players following his six-year spell at Celtic and after helping the national team reach the second round at the World Cup in Brazil.

Under-pressure Greece coach Claudio Ranieri was publicly backed by Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) president Giorgos Sarris on Thursday amid doubts over the Italian's future after his team's dire start to the Euro 2016 qualifiers.

Ranieri, who has been in charge for three matches since succeeding the Portuguese Fernando Santos following the World

Greece coach Claudio Ranieri voiced his satisfaction with the performance of the national team in Helsinki's 1-1 draw with host Finland on Saturday for the 2016 European Championship qualifiers, saying the risk in pucking the squad he took was worth it, even though Greece did not get maximum points.

Just two-and-a-half months as coach of Greece, Claudio Ranieri is heading towards a pair of key Euro 2016 qualifiers that could put his job at risk.

By Brian Homewood

Former Greece coach Fernando Santos has been banned for eight competitive international matches after he was sent off at the end of the World Cup match against Costa Rica, FIFA said on Monday.

By George Georgakopoulos

The Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) presented Claudio Ranieri as the new Greece coach for the next couple of years, after the Italian manager signed his contract in Athens on Friday.

“I liked the spirit of the team and there is not that much I wish to change in it for now,” said Ranieri who starts his first coaching stint at a national team.