Compared with contemporary central defenders such as Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, Astori’s career has not been outstanding. However, he is known for his professionalism and optimism. In Cagliari or Fiorentina, the San Giovanni Bianco midfielder arrives early every morning in the cafeteria to greet his teammates with a friendly smile. He was never late for rehearsals or caught in a scandal. In addition, David Astori often asks and encourages his teammates.
At the start of the 2017-2018 season, David Astori was selected as Fiorentina’s captain. However, he was unable to carry the captain’s armband for a full season. On March 4, 2018, tragedy struck Udine. Astori’s teammates did not show up the morning before the game against Udinese. When they opened the bedroom door, they found him dead. The midwife in 1987 suffered a heart attack, according to autopsy results. Astori’s departure was too sudden, as he had been playing the Play Station with goalkeeper Marco Sportiello the night before.
Fiorentina captain David Astori.
There was an atmosphere of mourning all over Italy. All football games have been postponed. Across Europe, teams observed a moment of silence before the opening whistle.
A few days later, in Fiorentina and Cagliari, David Astori’s No. 13 shirt was permanently hung. Viola’s training ground was also renamed Centro Sportivo Davide Astori, as if to show that he was always there, watching his teammates practice. The renewal contract is prepared by Fiorentina management. Although Astori’s signature has not been signed, the agreed salary was handed to the family by hand.
Since the 2018-2019 season, the word “DA13” has been printed on the Fiorentina captain’s armband. Two years have passed, but Tiversey still cannot forget the image of the Bianco midfielder. They believe that, from afar, David Astori is still watching every development of Italian football, silently supporting his team.
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