Fiorentina pay tribute in first match without Astori

Ian Watson

Fiorentina paid emotional tributes to their captain Davide Astori before and during Sunday’s 1-0 win over Benevento at Stadio Artemio Franchi.

The Serie A club were playing their first game since Astori died suddenly in his sleep at the team hotel last week.

Fans unveiled banners in Astori’s honour and players warmed up in shirts bearing his name and number, while the match was halted in the 13th minute for a sustained round of applause.

Vitor Hugo headed the only goal of the game in the 25th minute and celebrated by hugging coach Stefano Pioli before raising a shirt picturing Astori to the crowd.