Fiorentina paid last tribute to Davide Astori ahead of their game against Benevento

News24xx.com -  Fiorentina have paid tribute to their captain Davide Astori ahead of their first match after Astori's tragic death at the age of 31.

The Fiorentina captain was found dead a few hours before his side were scheduled to play Udinese on Sunday in a Serie A match. He is believed to have died of a heart attack.

And right now, in the most difficult situation, their players mustered the courage to take the field for the first time without their iconic leader – against Benevento at Stadio Artemio Franchi.

The club paid their tribute ahead of their game against Benevento, and featured a banner in the middle circle, which read: 'Captain forever.'

Each Fiorentina player emerged from the tunnel during warm-up by wearing a shirt that implements Astori's name and number.

Squad - both players and staff - then gather to pay tribute to the late Astori.

Coach Stefano Pioli could not contain his emotions with tears when he recalled the former defender.

The game kicked off but stopped in the 13th minute - a tribute to Astori's shirt number - when both sets of players eagerly earned applause and a note 'Davide 13' graced the top of Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Davide's brother, Marco, was also present on the field to witness the truly moving performances. A very painful banner reads: 'The tears of the whole city are connected from here to eternity. Go in peace, captain. '

After a very emotional first-quarter game, Vitor Hugo slid past Riccardo Sapanora's cross, so they managed to earn points, which made his manager come to embrace him.

The coaching staff then opened the shirt with Astori's face on it and Hugo saluted him before holding it high up to the faithful Fiorentina men.

The players somehow managed to gather strength and passion to survive to win. Although Fiorentina got away with three points, but today's game is devoted to the memory of David Astori.

 

 

 

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