Fiorentina have handed the captain’s armband to David De Gea, a symbolic resolution geared toward restoring stability and confidence throughout a fragile section of the season.
The change was confirmed forward of Sunday’s match towards Udinese, with De Gea taking on from Luca Ranieri, who had beforehand been named membership captain.
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The choice was taken by coach Paolo Vanoli in settlement with the membership and communicated to the squad following Fiorentina’s latest journey to Lausanne.
FLORENCE, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Head coach Paolo Vanoli supervisor of ACF Fiorentina gestures in the course of the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Hellas Verona FC at Artemio Franchi on December 14, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photograph by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Pictures)
Fiorentina reward De Gea with captaincy amid difficult season
In response to , the transfer was not meant as a punishment for Ranieri.
As a substitute, it displays an effort to reset the environment contained in the dressing room and relieve stress on a participant who, as a product of the membership’s academy, has felt the load of a tough marketing campaign greater than most.
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Ranieri was knowledgeable immediately and is known to have accepted the choice with out difficulty.
On the identical time, giving the armband to De Gea represents a transparent present of belief within the skilled goalkeeper, who has . The membership see the gesture as an announcement of religion within the Spaniard’s management and character, in addition to his significance inside the squad.
PISA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: David de Gea of ACF Fiorentina reacts in the course of the Serie A match between Pisa SC and ACF Fiorentina at Area Garibaldi on September 28, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photograph by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Pictures)
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The transfer follows latest feedback from Daniele Pradè’s successor, Roberto Goretti, who had warned that “sturdy choices” can be required to steer Fiorentina via their present struggles.
Whereas the comfy win over Udinese that adopted might not be immediately linked, the message despatched by the captaincy change was unmistakable.