Fiorentina head coach Paolo Sousa has stripped Manuel Pasqual of the club captaincy, according to reports.

Gazzetta World claims that Sousa has axed the Viola defender as captain and handed the armband to Gonzalo Rodriguez despite an excellent start to the season which sees Fiorentina sit joint-top of Serie A with Inter Milan.

Those inside the club are said to have been left surprised by the decision, which was apparently made solely by former Swansea City and Queens Park Rangers boss Sousa.

The report suggests that the move will not have an impact on the Italy international's potential contract renewal in the next 12 months, despite the 33-year-old being left disappointed.

Pasqual has made 342 appearances for Fiorentina, scoring 10 goals.