'Astori suffered cardiac arrest due to natural causes'

Astori, 31, died suddenly in Fiorentina's team hotel ahead of the game against Udinese on Sunday, with his body being found at around 9:30 local time after he failed to report for breakfast.

"The idea is that the player died from cardiac arrest due to natural causes," explained Antonio Di Nicolo, head of Udine's public prosecutor's office.

“It is strange that such a thing should happen to a professional who is so closely monitored and showed no warning signs.”

The defender's body had been transferred to a local hospital where a series of tests will be undertaken to ascertain the exact cause of death.

The former Italy international's sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, with all Serie A and Serie B games scheduled for Sunday being called off.