Italian football world pays tribute to Astori on death anniversary

Italian clubs, Serie A stars and Italy coach Luciano Spalletti paid tribute to Davide Astori on the 7th anniversary of his tragic death: ‘Today, we are with Davide.’

The former Fiorentina captain died in his sleep at 31 in Udine on March 4, 2018, the night before an away game at Udinese.

Astori’s former Serie A clubs, Fiorentina, Roma and Cagliari, shared pictures and messages on social media to remember the ex-Italian defender.

Likewise, the Associazione Davide Astori, an NGO founded by Davide’s brother Bruno, shared a video involving several footballers, ex-players and Astori’s former teammates to pay tribute to the defender on the 7th anniversary of his death.

“It’s a special day for us. We want to remember Davide with a smile,” said Bruno Astori.

“Today, we are with Davide,” said Antonio Conte and Stefano Pioli, who was Fiorentina’s coach when Astori died in 2018.

Italy coach Luciano Spalletti said: “Davide, wherever you are, we don’t forget you. And today, more than ever, we are with you.”

The video, which you can watch below, also involved Gigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Nicolò Barella, Daniele De Rossi, Federico Chiesa, Alessandro Matri, Cristiano Biraghi, German Pezzella, Borja Valero, and Fiorentina legend Giancarlo Antognoni.

Fiorentina still remember Astori before every home game by announcing their No.13 as part of the starting XI.

Davide forever with us. pic.twitter.com/XjEBdCeg7p

— ACF Fiorentina English (@ACFFiorentinaEN) March 4, 2025

Per sempre Davide pic.twitter.com/JulIkkReTa

— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) March 4, 2025

Per sempre Davide pic.twitter.com/ArGng79j66

— Cagliari Calcio (@CagliariCalcio) March 4, 2025