Welcome to Calcio Square, an email newsletter dedicated to Serie A and Italian football. I publish my takes and essays every Monday and Thursday. You can email me with feedback at hello@calciosquare.com.

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Now, onto today's issue.

No one but Claudio Ranieri wanted the job. Roma had become a poisoned chalice, having already claimed two managers barely three months into the season.

But Ranieri, a proud Romanista who ended his retirement to help the love of his life, was perhaps the only man for the job.

Roma were four points above the relegation zone when Ranieri took over in mid-November. Now they find themselves in eighth place, ahead of AC Milan and in contention to qualify for Europe next season. They lead their Europa League last-16 matchup against Athletic Bilbao thanks to a late goal from Eldor Shomurodov, who, like many others on the team, has regained his confidence under Ranieri.

Because there was a borderline mutiny on the cards. The fans targeted everyone they could. They nearly chased club captain Lorenzo Pellegrini out of town. Bryan Cristante was a social pariah. Mats Hummels, one of Roma's marquee summer signings, wasn't even getting playing time.

Ranieri has brought it all together and created a true sum from Roma's spare parts. No Serie A team has won more than the Giallorossi's 30 points since the start of December.

At first, Ranieri seemed like nothing more than a human shield to the club's detested ownership group. The Friedkins had just fired club legend Daniele De Rossi and embarked on a takeover of Everton, leaving the impression they were no longer as interested in making Roma great again. CEO Lina Souloukou resigned as fans directed vitriol and threats her way.

That couldn't possibly happen with Ranieri at the helm. He served as manager twice before and was born and raised in Testaccio, the most local of neighborhoods in the sprawling metropolis that is Rome.

He's brought not just protection to the club but a sense of calm that the team and his players desperately needed. He's allowed Paulo Dybala to do his thing, unshackling him from the rigidity of any one formation.

That's not to say Ranieri has neglected tactics altogether. He prefers a back three and the solidity it provides.

Others perform more instructional tasks. Center-forward Artem Dovbyk does an exceptional job holding up play, doing his part even when he isn't scoring goals. Saelemaekers has pitched in, too, showing his goal-scoring side when he isn't running all the hard yards.

There's a real team element here, and it's thanks to Ranieri's gregarious nature. Sometimes the most convenient option really is the best.