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What Fiorentina did in the 13th minute to pay tribute to Davide Astori will move you to tears

Players of ACF Fiorentina thanked the fans at the end of the game during the serie A match
Players of ACF Fiorentina thanked the fans at the end of the game during the serie A match

Fiorentina paid the ultimate tribute to former captain Davide Astori during their first match following his tragic death.

The Italian international defender sadly passed away last weekend before a game with Udinese and all Serie A fixtures were cancelled as a mark of respect.

It was perhaps fitting that his replacement in the side, Vitor Hugo, got the winning goal and he saltued his fallen team-mate in his wonderful goal celebration.

But it was the 13th minute, fitting as Astori wore the No. 13 shirt for the Viola, that really moved supporters across the world to tears.

The match stopped as the ball was kicked out of play and a minute’s applause followed with one end of the stadium also holding up a tribute to the player.

Fiorentina manager Stefano Piolo was visibly emotional before the match but composed himself to explain what made his former skipper so special.

“The first thought goes to Davide, who I was fortunate enough to know over the last few months,” Piolo said before kick-off. “He was special as both a person and a captain.

“He always found the right way and time to say things. He was generous, positive, altruistic. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to spend much time with him and I’ll miss him.

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“I miss him every day I step on to that training ground.”

Benevento, who are rock bottom on ten points, look almost certain to be relegated now but played their part in what was an incredible tribute to Astori.

Several players fell to the floor in tears at the final whistle while the captain’s armband was symbolically held aloft to the crowd.