Luca Ranieri and Fiorentina are set to continue working together
Luca Ranieri and Fiorentina are set to continue their partnership. The Viola defender has effectively confirmed the imminent renewal of his contract through 2029, with an option to extend the deal for an additional season. The 27-year-old spoke about the negotiations during an interview with Sky Sport: “We’re working out the details, and I’m happy because this renewal means a lot to me. I’m honored to continue with this club, which is now part of my family—I’ve been here since I was thirteen.”
This extension was made possible in part by the renewed trust he has built with Paolo Vanoli, who took over from Fabio Grosso after the team’s shocking start to the league season. Ranieri acknowledged the importance of the Lombard coach in his recent journey: “He took the captain’s armband away from me but also relieved me of a lot of pressure and gave me a big helping hand; I’m happy he’s back.”
The decision to strip Ranieri of the captain’s armband dates back to last season, when Vanoli, in the match against Udinese last December, chose to entrust it to David De Gea. It was a bold and symbolic move, officially announced by the club via its social media channels, which came at a delicate moment for the Fiorentina camp, with fan protests still in the air. That match, however, proved to be a turning point: Fiorentina crushed Udinese 5-1, with a brace from Moise Kean and excellent performances by Gudmundsson and Fagioli leading the Viola to their first league win of the season.
Nevertheless, Ranieri faced his share of tensions throughout the season. The disciplinary committee fined him 1,500 euros for repeated protests as captain, reflecting an overall difficult period for the defender, who was called upon to manage pressure both on and off the field.
With that troubled season behind him, Ranieri has once again carved out a leading role in Vanoli’s lineup. In Fiorentina’s starting lineup at the start of the 2026–2027 season, the center back is a regular starter in the Viola’s four-man defense, reaffirming his status as a key figure in the backline led by De Gea in goal.
