Italy international defender Davide Astori died in his hotel room during the night of Saturday to Sunday, his club Fiorentina said on Sunday.
“Fiorentina are profoundly shocked to have to announce the death of captain Davide Astori after a sudden illness,” the Serie A club said on Twitter.
“Due to the terrible and delicate situation, and above all for the respect of his family, an appeal is made to everyone’s sensibility.”
The 31-year-old, who leaves behind a two-year-old daughter, was in Udine to prepare for Sunday’s match against Udinese, which has been postponed according to a statement from Udinese.
The Italian football team paid their respects to the Astori’s family on Twitter.
The FIGC’s thoughts are with the directors, coaches and staff who knew and respected Davide throughout Italian football, while we also offer our most profound condolences to the Astori family. pic.twitter.com/nCQbfmyPwN
— Italy (@azzurri) March 4, 2018