Dario Dainelli (born 9 June 1979 in Pontedera, province of Pisa) is an Italian football player. He is the captain of ACF Fiorentina and plays as a central defender.

Club career

Dainelli started his professional career at Empoli F.C.. He spent his early years on Modena (Serie C1), Cavese (Serie C2) and Fidelis Andria (Serie C1).

He was then signed by Lecce in 2001 and made his Serie A debut against Roma on 18 February 2001.

After just one season at Lecce, he was signed by Brescia.

Except for the first season which he just made five appearances and left on loan to Serie A rival Verona, he made 56 appearances more for Brescia.

In summer 2004 he was signed by newly promoted team Fiorentina, by buying half of the registration rights from Brescia. On January 2005, Fiorentina immediately bought all of the rights.

Dainelli was the team captain after Christian Riganò left the club on summer 2005.

At the end of 2006–07 season, due to his contract expiring on summer, some rumor linked him with Juventus and other Italian clubs, but on 9 June 2007, he finally signed a new 4 years contract extenstion with Fiorentina.

International career

Dainelli made his debut for the national side against Ecuador on 11 June 2005 which the friendly match ended a 1-1 draw.

He was recalled by new Italian head coach Roberto Donadoni to play in Euro 2008 qualifying against Lithuania and France on 2 September 2006 and 6 September 2006, but did not enter the field.

External links

• Dario Dainelli Profile at FootballDatabase
• FIGC