Fiorentina captain Davide Astori has died at the age of 31.
The Serie A club announced that the defender, who had been capped 14 times by Italy, had died following a “sudden illness”.
A short statement on Fiorentina’s twitter account read: “Fiorentina are deeply upset to report that captain Davide Astori has died, suffering from a sudden illness.
Former Italy defender Davide Astori has died (John Walton/Empics)
“Because of the terrible and delicate situation, and above all for the respect of his family, sensitivity is called for.”
All seven of Sunday’s Serie A games have been postponed following the tragic news. Fiorentina had been due to play at Udinese.
A tweet from @SerieA_TIM read: “Shocked by the tragic news, the whole of Serie A supports the family of Davide Astori and Fiorentina. All the games scheduled today are postponed as a sign of mourning.”
Astori started his career with AC Milan but did not play a competitive match for the Rossoneri, and after loan spells with Serie C clubs Pizzighettone and Cremonese he joined Cagliari in 2008, playing for the club until 2016.
During his time on the books of the Sardinian side, Astori had loan spells with Roma and Fiorentina, joining the latter permanently in 2016.
After representing Italy Under-18s, Astori played 14 times at senior level. His debut in March 2011 in a 2–0 victory over Ukraine in Kiev was eventful – he was introduced as a first-half substitute before being sent off with 15 minutes remaining after receiving two yellow cards.
Astori scored his only international goal in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup third-place play-off against Uruguay in Salvador, giving Italy a first-half lead in a match which finished 2-2. The Azzurri won the contest on penalties.
Among the other Serie A games to be postponed was Sunday evening’s Milan derby between AC and Inter.
The Rossoneri said of their former player on their Twitter account: “A man who loved football and who grew up as footballer with us. #ACMilan are shocked by the passing of Davide #Astori. It is with great sadness that we offer our deepest condolences to his family and closed ones and to ACF Fiorentina.”
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