Fiorentina Coach Stefano Pioli felt it was “right to return in front of our fans and it was an emotional day” saluting captain Davide Astori.
The 31-year-old defender went to sleep in his hotel room as the team prepared to face Udinese last Saturday night and never woke up.
Today’s 1-0 win over Benevento at the Stadio Franchi was transformed into a deeply moving tribute to his memory.
Fiorentina Coach Stefano Pioli felt it was “right to return in front of our fans and it was an emotional day” saluting captain Davide Astori.
The 31-year-old defender went to sleep in his hotel room as the team prepared to face Udinese last Saturday night and never woke up.
Today’s 1-0 win over Benevento at the Stadio Franchi was transformed into a deeply moving tribute to his memory.
“We had to get back to playing and break the ice, so it was right to return in front of our fans. To say it was an emotional day would be an understatement,” said Pioli in his Press conference.
“We can’t pretend that everything will go back to being the way it was, because it can’t. If I had a united group before, and Davide deserved a lot of credit for that, then today they are even closer.
“I wasn’t sure that it was the best idea to play today, but the players wanted to get on the field. They are experiencing a situation bigger than themselves, Astori was a central figure in everything we did. These lads are young and wanted to give their soul for Davide today.
“Now it is up to us to carry on what Davide was able to sow here. Never before have we seen the team, fans and club all so united.”
It was Vitor Hugo who scored the goal, rising to meet a Riccardo Saponara corner, and he was the defender standing in Astori’s place wearing the Number 31 jersey – the reverse of his 13.
“You have to believe in something in life,” added Pioli. “It was right that it should go this way. He was always positive and thought we were on the right track.
“Without doubt it has been a week that I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Everyone experiences pain in their own way, but I tried to be close to the boys. If we were close before, we’re even closer now.”