Serie A games called off after shock death of Fiorentina captain

Antonio Conte, the Chelsea coach, has led the tributes to Fiorentina captain Davide Astori, who has died at the age of 31. The Serie A club announced the defender, who had been capped 14 times by Italy, died following a “sudden illness”.

Conte, who selected Astori during his reign as Italy coach from 2014-16, was visibly distressed when he spoke about his former player.

Conte said: “This is a tragedy and it really hurts me. It’s very difficult 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.”

Conte was speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League match at Manchester City.

All seven of yesterday’s Serie A games were postponed following the news. Fiorentina had been due to play at Udinese. A tweet from the league read: “Shocked by the tragic news, the whole of Serie A supports the family of Davide Astori and Fiorentina.”

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.

Astori played 14 times at senior level, scoring once. His debut in March 2011, in a 2-0 victory over Ukraine in Kiev, was eventful – he was introduced as a first-half substitute before being sent off with 15 minutes left.

Italy visit Wembley later this month for a friendly with England and the Football Association has said it will honour Astori, saying it was “truly saddened” by the news.

Among the other Serie A games to be postponed was last night’s Milan derby between AC and Inter.

The Rossoneri said of their former player on their Twitter account: “A man who loved football and who grew up as a footballer with us.

“AC Milan are shocked by the passing of Davide Astori.

“It is with great sadness that we offer our deepest condolences to his family and close ones and to ACF Fiorentina.”