On Sunday, 4 March 2018, the football fraternity was left shocked by the news of the tragic passing of the Fiorentina captain, Davide Astori.
The centre-back, who was capped 14 times by Italy, is said to have died in his sleep after an overnight stay with teammates in preparation for their clash with Udinese the following day.
‘Fiorentina are profoundly shaken and forced to announce that their captain Davide Astori has died. For this terrible and delicate situation, and above all out of respect for his family, we appeal to the sensitivity of the media,’ read a statement on the Fiorentina official Twitter account.
In ricordo del #capitano Davide #Astori pic.twitter.com/6OiBL4VVAZ
— ACF Fiorentina (@acffiorentina) March 4, 2018
The 31-year-old defender started his career at AC Milan. He was shipped off to Cagliari, before making a first-team appearance for the Serie A giants.
The player also had a spell at Roma before joining his last club, Fiorentina, two years ago.
Out of respect for Astori, all Serie A games were postponed on Sunday.
The football community took to social media to express their grief and show their support.
Here are some of the reactions from Twitter:
Rest in peace Davide 🙏🏻 #rip #astori pic.twitter.com/rE02EJj1hU
— Fabio Cannavaro (@fabiocannavaro) March 4, 2018
On this day of tragedy, Juventus expresses its deepest condolences to Davide Astori’s family and Fiorentina.
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) March 4, 2018
Photo: EPA/MAURIZIO DEGL’INNOCENTI
