Antonio Conte was stunned by the sudden death of Fiorentina and Italy defender Davide Astori. “He was a fantastic guy.”
The centre-back only turned 31 in January, but died in his sleep last night in the team hotel where Fiorentina were preparing to face Udinese today.
All the Serie A and B matches scheduled for today have been called off as a sign of respect.
Antonio Conte was stunned by the sudden death of Fiorentina and Italy defender Davide Astori. “He was a fantastic guy.”
The centre-back only turned 31 in January, but died in his sleep last night in the team hotel where Fiorentina were preparing to face Udinese today.
All the Serie A and B matches scheduled for today have been called off as a sign of respect.
“I had him with the national team. It’s very hard at this moment to speak about this tragedy. He was a great player and above all a fantastic guy,” Chelsea manager and former Italy Coach Conte told Sky Sports UK.
“I am close to his family at this moment. He was only 31 years old. It is very difficult to explain this situation to his wife, his parents, his daughter.”
Conte wore a black armband during today's Premier League match against Manchester City.
WATCH: Antonio Conte's touching tribute to Fiorentina captain, Davide Astori, who he managed when with the national team. pic.twitter.com/UhYTqrV0UB
— Sky Sports PL (@SkySportsPL) March 4, 2018