When Ranieri replaced the sacked Stefano Pioli earlier this year, Parma were in dire straits, but the former Chelsea boss has turned the club around.

Five wins and a draw in their last seven games including three victories on the trot have seen the Gialloblu climb out of trouble and now they lie 13th in the 20-team division, although they are only three points above the drop zone.

Ranieri told club website www.fcparma.it: "They have given us a bicycle and we must continue to pedal because we have accomplished nothing yet.

"We will only have achieved something when we are safe from relegation.

"We have taken a great leap forward, but I reckon we need 39 or 40 points to be safe."

Next up for Parma, who have 35 points, is an away match with Chievo, who are in the relegation zone.

Ranieri added: "If we can do the same in Verona it will show we have not let it go to our heads and it would improve our position in the table even further."

Parma's latest victory was a 2-1 home success over Cagliari on Sunday.