Fiorentina captain Astori passes away; Serie A matches postponed

Bengaluru, March 4: All Serie A matches on Sunday have been postponed following the death of Fiorentina captain Davide Astori.

Italy international Astori passed away at the age of 31 due to a sudden illness on Sunday morning, hours before he was to lead his side in a Seria A match against Udinese.

A club statement did not throw much light on Astori's death. "Fiorentina are profoundly shaken and forced to announce that their captain Davide Astori has died," read the statement.

"For this terrible and delicate situation, and above all out of respect for his family, we appeal to the sensitivity of the media."

Astori was staying in a hotel along with his teammates when he was found dead.

Confirming the rescheduling of matches, the Serie A tweeted: "Shocked by the tragic news, the whole family of the league Serie A huddles around the family of David Astori and Fiorentina. All the matches scheduled today are postponed as a sign of mourning. RIP David."

Incredibly sad news.
My thoughts are with the family, friends and all at @acffiorentina
Rest in peace Davide#Astori pic.twitter.com/UBXs2LJKlT

— Edin Džeko (@EdDzeko) March 4, 2018

Defender Astori has represented Italy 14 times. He started his career with AC Milan, but never got playing time with the senior team. He then moved to Cagliari, where he spent a large part of his career, scoring three goals in 174 appearances.

Shocked about the terrible news about Davide #Astori. Thoughts are with his family, his friends and of course players and staff of @acffiorentina 😞🙏🏻 #RIP pic.twitter.com/vyL2B7ZEfU

— Hakan Çalhanoğlu (@hakanc10) March 4, 2018

After a loan spell with Roma, Astori sealed another loan deal with Fiorentina and then joined them in 2016. He has made 90 appearances for the Florence-based club.

Totti: "Shocked, incredulous and speechless at this tragedy. My thoughts are with the family and friends of Davide Astori." https://t.co/q1ATYRUHS3

— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) March 4, 2018

Radja Nainggolan, Astori's teammate at Cagliari, wrote: "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."

Our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of @acffiorentina captain and Italian international Davide Astori, who passed away suddenly last night. pic.twitter.com/j8X2ZKzv4A

— UEFA (@UEFA) March 4, 2018

Rudi Garcia, who coached Astori at Roma, tweeted: "The news of the untimely death of my former player Davide Astori pains me. A professional and exemplary guy. I am close to the family and his loved ones. Rest in peace Davide."

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing all too early of Davide Astori. The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with his friends and family at this extremely difficult time. pic.twitter.com/RSX2ra91So

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 4, 2018

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

— AC Milan (@acmilan) 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

The club is devastated to learn of the death of Davide Astori. The thoughts of everyone at AS Roma are with the player's family, friends and teammates at this terrible and tragic time. pic.twitter.com/vDlL4LIkJr

— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) March 4, 2018