A truly emotional match.
Sunday afternoon marked Fiorentina’s first fixture since the tragic passing of their captain Davide Astori, as they took on Benevento at home. Astori died from cardiac arrest on March 4.
Emotional tributes began before kick off, with the Fiorentina players wearing armbands with the message “Ciao Davide”. Purple and white balloons were released at the end of a minute silence.
💜 "Ciao Davide" 💜
Emotional scenes at the Stadio Artemio Franchi as Fiorentina pay tribute to Davide Astori. pic.twitter.com/YlF89x017t
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 11, 2018
On thirteenth minute, the game came to a pause as fans, players and officials stopped for a minute’s applause. Astori’s number thirteen shirt has been retired by the club in his honour.
The game comes to a stop in the 13th minute as everyone pays tribute to Davide Astori.
Beautiful 💜 pic.twitter.com/6HPo5P4jrc
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 11, 2018
Vitor Hugo celebrated with a t shirt of Astori after scoring the only goal of the game.
That one was for Davide 💜
Vitor Hugo opens the scoring and salutes Astori.
The whole Fiorentina team celebrated with him 💜 pic.twitter.com/1rAj3mB1a8
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 11, 2018