El Shaarawy, Cristante to wear captain’s armband ahead of Pellegrini, Mancini | OneFootball

Gian Piero Gasperini has changed the rules for assigning the captain’s armband at Roma.

“I’ve always awarded the armband to the player with the most appearances. There are no other hierarchies,” said the coach, confirming that, starting next season, Roma’s captain will no longer be a permanent role, but rather that the decision will be based on seniority.

Lorenzo Pellegrini, who has worn the captain’s armband since 2021, will now have to contend with Gasperini’s new system.

The Giallorossi midfielder, deeply attached to the team, will find himself facing a new reality. He will no longer be Roma’s permanent captain, and the armband will be awarded to the player with the most appearances.

This rule shakes up the situation, calling into question Pellegrini’s role in the team.

With the new rule, Stephan El Shaarawy, with 320 total appearances for Roma, appears to be the leading candidate to replace Pellegrini.

Behind him in terms of appearances are Bryan Cristante (318) and Pellegrini himself (316), while Gianluca Mancini, with 274 appearances, is further behind.

Despite the change in the hierarchy, Lorenzo Pellegrini has stated his desire to continue fighting for a leading role at Roma.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pellegrini is working to improve his fitness to be ready to give his all next season.