Former Milan youth graduate and Fiorentina captain Davide Astori passes away aged 31

On today’s derby day, we wake to the tremendously sad news that former Milan player - Davide Astori has passed away at the age of 31.

The current Fiorentina captain sadly passed in his slumber as la viola prepared for today’s match against Udinese.

Astori never made a senior league appearance for AC Milan, however there was always interest in bringing the defender into the senior fold at Milan. The co-ownership deal between the rossoneri and Cagliari always provoked speculation about a return to Milan upon it’s annual expiry and then subsequent renewal by Cagliari. This was all ended when a move to Roma came about, and then the defender moved on to Florence to sign with Fiorentina.

There are early reports that today’s lineup of games could be cancelled - as the tragic news is already sending shockwaves throughout Serie A. Certainly, Fiorentina will not be playing today, and Genoa’s game with Astori’s former club, Cagliari has been called off.

31 is no age, at all. You’ll hear that a lot, and in many ways this news will ensure that we all confront our own mortality, and do what we can to enjoy our time on this earth.

Riposare in pace