Davide Astori dead: Fiorentina and Italy star passes away aged 31
Fiorentina have announced that captain Davide Astori has died at the age of 31.
The Italian international, with 14 caps to his name, was found dead at the La di Moret hotel in Udine ahead of the Viola’s meeting with Udinese on Sunday.
The clash at the Stadio Friuli has subsequently been cancelled.
A club statement released by Fiorentina 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.”
Astori, who started his career at AC Milan, enjoyed a 12-year career in Serie A.
He spent six years with Cagliari, making 174 appearances for the Sardinians during a six-year spell. Their game with Genoa on Sunday morning was also called off.
He was made captain for La Viola by Stefano Pioli earlier this season and had made 27 appearances during the current campaign, scoring once.
Astori had recently been in talks with the club over a new contract.
