Former Fiorentina manager Stefano Pioli admits he still recalls ‘special’ Davide Astori, who tragically passed away due to an undiagnosed heart condition aged just 31, on 4 March 2018.
The now Milan coach was in charge of the Florence side when they were struck with the news of Astori’s passing away, leading his side through an extremely difficult phase in Serie A at the end of the 2017/18 season.
Pioli was awarded the USSI Sardegna Award, an award named after Astori who spent eight years in Sardinia with Cagliari, from 2008 to 2016.
Speaking of which, the Italian tactician commented: “I am proud and honoured to receive this award. I was very fortunate to know Davide, such a special person. We had a brief time together, but it will tie us together forever. He is still alive in our memories and that is how it will always be.”
The Viola captain is remembered in every Fiorentina’s match at the 13th minute mark – attribute to his shirt number.
“When there was the need, we often supported each other,” continued Pioli. “It’s rare I’ve met someone so ready to always be at the disposal of his teammates. He transmitted this sense of enjoying their company, being a leader and a guide, he always knew the right thing to say at the right moment,” he said.
Stefano #Pioli ha ricevuto il premio Astori da parte dell’Ussi Sardegna. Ecco le sue parole pic.twitter.com/oAoGk122dj
— MilanNews.it (@MilanNewsit) October 4, 2021
Pioli went on to explain that the tragedy is something none of his ex-players of him have recovered from.
“Every time I get a sudden call, I relive that trauma, and I think none of us have ever recovered from it. We must continue with the good memories, because Davide is with us and the lessons he taught, his feeling of peace can always help us.”