Fiorentina captain Astori dies

Florence (Italy) March 4 (IANS) ACF Fiorentina captain and Italian international Davide Astori 31 has died due to a sudden illness the Italian football club announced on Sunday.

"Fiorentina are profoundly shaken and forced to announce that club captain Davide Astori has died caught by a sudden illness " Fiorentina said in a statement.

According to media reports Astori who played 14 times for Italy as a defender died in his sleep in his team s hotel ahead of their Serie A clash against Udinese away.

"For the terrible and delicate situation and above all for the respect of his family appeal is made to everyone s sensibility " Fiorentina said.

The match against Udinese has been postponed following the announcement of the death of the former Cagliari player a product of the famed AC Milan academy.

--IANS
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