Ciao Davide, capitano per sempre

The weekend began with Astori being named in the 'Viola's' squad for Sunday's clash, and across Serie A there were tributes to the player who had played 14 times for the Italian national side. All sides wore a message on their sleeve with the words, 'Ciao Davide' and during Saturday's games there were fitting displays all over Italy.

When the Fiorentina players came out for their warm ups at Stadio Artemio Franchi they were all wearing Astori 13 on the backs of their shirts, including coach Stefano Pioli. It will be the last time any player wears the number 13 on the back of the famous purple strip - Fiorentina retired Astori's number forever earlier in the week. 

 

11 March 2018

What followed was emotional for everyone involved. A period of silence was impeccably observed by everyone present. From the moment the teams walked out of the tunnel, through the handshakes and until the referees whistle to begin the game, not a sound was heard.

Both teams came together in the centre circle to observe a formal minute's silence. As the silence broke, thousands of balloons were released into the air.

It echoed scenes from midweek, when the funeral was held in Florence. Thousands of Floretine natives, as well as hundreds of Italian footballers, turned out in a show of unison at their common loss.

 

11 March 2018

In the 13th minute, the game was stopped. For a whole 60 seconds the ball did not move and the crowd saluted their captain. Fans on the 'curva' held up placards reading a simple message - Davide 13. Sometimes things are more important than football.

 

11 March 2018

Astori was found dead in his hotel room last week, with an autopsy revealing cardiac arrest to be the cause. He was 31. He signed for Fiorentina from Cagliari and he was a well loved figure in Italian football.

 

11 March 2018