Captain Astori needs to lead the fight for Fiorentina

Fiorentina's new Skipper, Davide Astori, goes into the season with a new found importance. It was no secret that he was Fiorentina's best defender last year, and with the 'C' now strapped to his bicep, big things are expected of him.

The Italian's outstanding second term for Fiorentina after joining from Cagliari in 2015 was one of the major bright sparks of a year that, well yeah, the less said the better. Astori's consistency last year was a huge factor in cementing his importance to the side. His leadership qualities now, more than ever, will be tested to their full given the new Gonzalo-less look of the squad.

Impressively, Astori's tactical intelligence was admirable, especially in what was at times (lets face it, all the time) a mismatched, dysfunctional back line under Sousa. Now 30, he is theoretically in his prime as a defender, and interestingly will most likely be playing alongside Hugo in a back four. Astori's competence will most certainly help Hugo's customary settling in period where you'd be smart to put money on the Brazilian committing a few howlers in true Fiorentina style. As a whole however, we all know what to expect from Mr. Astori. A smart, clever defender who will rightfully serve as the backbone of the team. If the recent track record of captains is anything to go by, we can expect Astori to be departing in approximately nine months...