Italian Football Star Davide Astori Dies in his Sleep
Tributes have flooded in from across the football world following the tragic announcement that Fiorentina captain Davide Astori has passed away at the age of 31.
The news was confirmed on Sunday morning in a statement from the Serie A side, which read: “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.”
The centre-back, who had been capped 14 times by Italy, died suddenly in his sleep as Fiorentina prepared for a meeting with Udinese.
That game has been postponed as a mark of respect, with all other fixtures across the Italian top-flight following suit.
The news has rocked Astori’s fellow professionals, with many taking to social media to express their sadness and offer their condolences.
Former AC Milan midfielder Kevin Prince-Boateng was among the first.
Radja Nainggolan played alongside Astori at Cagliari and Roma, and posted: “A great player, but even more than that, a great person…How many battles we were in together at Cagliari, then found each other again at Roma… I still can’t believe it… My thoughts are with his family and those close to him… RIP.”
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