ON THIS DAY: 2008
ITALY was in mourning yesterday, as Fiorentina captain Davide Astori died in his sleep, ahead of the club’s Serie A clash with Udinese.
All seven matches in the country’s top division were called off as a mark of respect, while Chelsea boss Antonio Conte led the tributes.
The former Italy boss, who managed Astori while in charge of the national team, said: “This is a tragedy and it really hurts me. It’s very difficult at this moment to find the right words for the family.
“He was a great player, but especially a fantastic guy. I stay close to his wife, parents and daughter. He was only 31 and it’s very difficult to explain this situation.”
Former prime minister Matteo Renzi said: “It seems impossible. I’m in a state of disbelief. I cry with his family and all
Goodbye captain.”
Italy skipper Gianluigi Buffon paid an emotional tribute. He said: “You have a young wife and family members who are suffering.
“Your little girl deserves to know that her father was in all respects a perfect person.
“You were the best expression of an ancient, surpassed world, in which values such as altruism, elegance, education and respect for others, were the masters. You were one of the best sports figures I came across.”
Astori’s club confirmed he suffered a “sudden illness”.
The defender started his career at AC Milan, before joining Cagliari and then Fiorentina, also having loan spells at Pizzighettone, Cremonese and Roma, along with 14 caps for his country. He left behind a wife and two-year-old daughter.
Former Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf said: “Life is precious and we need to enjoy every day of it. I send my most sincere condolences to Davide’s family, and I thank you, Davide, for for Fiorentina. having been a great opponent on the pitch, and for all you have done for football. Rest In Peace.”
Ex-fiorentina and Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini said: “I learned with great pain what happened to Davide Astori. My condolences to the family.”
Astori’s death was announced late yesterday morning when players from Cagliari and Genoa were warming up. That game was soon called off and fans applauded when his picture appeared on a big screen.
The Milan derby was the highest profile postponement. AC Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso said: “I can’t think of the derby after a tragedy like that.”
Astori was found dead in his hotel after failing to emerge for breakfast at 9.30am local time.
Fiorentina said: “Given this terrible and delicate situation we appeal to everyone’s sensitivity at this time, above all out of respect for his family.”
A statement from Serie A said: “We are shocked by the tragic news, the whole Serie A family unites around the family of Davide and Fiorentina FC.”
American-born driver Mario Andretti claimed the first of his 12 Grand Prix wins, driving a Ferrari to victory in South Africa.
World champions England crashed to a shock 19-13 defeat by Ireland which ended their 22-game unbeaten run at Twickenham.
Sunderland sacked manager Mick Mccarthy, with the club bottom of the Barclays Premier League.
England boss Brian Ashton axed Danny Cipriani (above, with Jonny Wilkinson) from his team to play Scotland after the 20-year-old was photographed leaving a London nightclub at 12.30am.