Serie A called off as player dies suddenly

FIORENTINA captain

Davide Astori (pictured) has died at the age of 31.

The Serie A club announced that the defender, who had been capped 14 times by Italy, had died following a “sudden illness”. Astori was found dead in his hotel room.

A short statement on the club’s Twitter account read: “Fiorentina are deeply upset to report that captain Davide Astori has died, suffering from a sudden illness.

“Because of the terrible and delicate situation, and above all for the respect of his family, sensitivity is called for.”

All seven Serie A games scheduled for yesterday were postponed as a mark of respect.

Astori started his career with AC Milan but did not play a competitive match for the Rossoneri and, after loan spells with Serie C clubs Pizzighettone and Cremonese, he joined Cagliari in 2008, playing for the club until 2016.

During his time on the books of the Sardinian side, Astori had loan spells with Roma and Fiorentina, joining the latter permanently in 2016.