The Soccer community is in mourning this Sunday morning. Everyone is reeling from the news of Davide Astori's sudden passing.
Astori's passing came very suddenly. Many questions remain about how someone seemingly so healthy could suddenly just pass away. The cause of his death hasn't even been released, although there has been some speculation on the manner. Regardless, the Serie A community is joining together in mourning one of their captains as Fiorentina copes with the tragedy.
Fiorentina in mourning
When Fiorentina officially announced the news on Sunday morning, the weight of the world fell upon the Italian soccer community.
Astori reportedly died in his hotel room, with some under the belief that cardiac arrest was the cause. His body was transported to Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, where an autopsy was set to reveal more information.
Fiorentina captain Davide Astori has passed away in his sleep - he was just 31 years old. Absolutely horrific. https://t.co/GNuGMXLCvR
— Oliver Bond (@Oliver__Bond) March 4, 2018
The results of that autopsy won't rewind the tragedy, though. Teams, both friend and foe of Fiorentina, immediately took to social media to release statements and express disbelief and heartbreak over Astori's untimely passing. An ESPN report claimed players on a rival team were shaken by the news when they took to the pitch before their own game, not against Fiorentina.
Sure enough, Serie A took the almost unprecedented step of cancelling the rest of the day's games so the community and country could come together for a brief moment.
Astori's legacy
On the field, the central defender earned respect around the nation. He joined AC Milan's youth program in 2001, when he was just entering his teenage years.
He eventually made his top-flight debut with Cagliari in 2008. Astori stayed there until 2014, when he was loaned to Roma. After that, he was loaned to Fiorentina, where he ascended to the role of captain prior to this season.
He also played for the Italian national team, receiving his first call-up in 2010 and making his debut in March 2011.
Astori immediately received two yellow cards, however, leading to his dismissal from the friendly match. He ultimately made 14 appearances with the senior national team, scoring just one goal in 2013.
Most tragically, Astori leaves behind a young family. His daughter Vittoria was born just two weeks ago.
It will take time for Fiorentina to grief and move past this immeasurable loss. It's times like this when the soccer community puts aside rivalries and joins together to remember the life of Davide Astori.
