Former Milan youth academy "Davide Astori" Passed away

Astori started his career in the Milan youth academy in 2001, remaining at the club – with a loan spell at Cremonese and Pizzighettone – until July 2008.

Astori is Fiorentina and Italy defender has died in his sleep. The centre-back turned 31 in January and was the captain of the Viola squad, with 14 senior Italy caps and one goal to his name.

via football-italia.net

The reports were spreading rapidly and Fiorentina released a statement this morning to confirm the news.

“Fiorentina are profoundly shaken and forced to announce that their captain Davide Astori has died,” read the statement.

“For this terrible and delicate situation, and above all out of respect for his family, we appeal to the sensitivity of the media.”

Udinese-Fiorentina has obviously been called off. There are reports the rest of the Serie A games this weekend could also be cancelled.

Genoa-Cagliari is due to kick off at 11.30 GMT and news of Astori's death arrived at Marassi during the warm-up, the players visibly in shock.

He spent six years at Cagliari, leaving in 2014 for Roma on loan, then starting his Fiorentina experience in the summer of 2015.

It is now official, all of today’s Serie A and B games have been called off following the sudden death of Fiorentina captain Davide Astori.

Including derby MILAN will be postponed.

Rest in Peace Davide Astori