Tragedy has struck Italian soccer as Fiorentina and Italy defender Davide Astori, 31, died suddenly overnight.
Astori was Fiorentina’s captain and a key member of La Viola and reports state he was found dead in the team hotel ahead of their Serie A game at Udinese on Sunday.
Fiorentina confirmed Astori’s death early on Sunday, saying their captain was struck by a “sudden illness” and the club was “deeply distraught” at the passing of a hugely influential figure.
Astori became a father two weeks ago and early reports suggest he died of a heart attack.
Their game against Udinese has been canceled as the club mourns Astori’s death, while all games in Serie A have been postponed on Sunday following the tragic news.
La Fiorentina profondamente sconvolta si trova costretta a comunicare che e' scomparso il suo capitano Davide Astori, colto da improvviso malore.
— ACF Fiorentina (@acffiorentina) March 4, 2018
Per la terribile e delicata situazione, e soprattutto per rispetto della sua famiglia si fa appello alla sensibilità di tutti. pic.twitter.com/bFGnkReWEC
Astori played 14 times for the Italian national team and the center back previously played for AC Milan, Cagliari and Roma during his 12-year career.
Tributes have poured in from across Italian soccer for Astori.
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
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
Senza parole. Riposa in pace Davide Astori pic.twitter.com/mukSojB45l
— Paulo Dybala (@PauDybala_JR) March 4, 2018
FC Internazionale Milano express immense sadness at the sudden passing of Fiorentina captain Davide Astori. https://t.co/kcAxi5EH4y
— Inter (@Inter_en) March 4, 2018