Manchester United sent scouts to watch him and Juventus boss Max Allegri wanted a reunion in Turin
TODAY marks a tragic day in Italian football history.
Davide Astori, the towering captain of Fiorentina, one of Serie A's "seven sisters", has died suddenly at the age of 31.
He was in the prime of a football career which promised to offer so much more, he was locked in talks over the Viola over an extension to his current deal.
An elegant defender, but Astori always claimed to be a fashion designer, who played football as a hobby.
He started his career in Milan's youth team, but he really made his name at Cagliari, when Massimiliano Allegri signed in him 2008 at the age 21.
Astori became a stalwart at the Sardinian club and played a major role in keeping them afloat season-in-season-out, despite suffering a broken leg in the 2011-12 campaign.
He struggled to rediscover his best form in the following campaign, but still impressed enough to earn a place in Italy's squad for the 2013 Confederations Cup.
The central defender helped the Azzurri reach the semi-finals, scoring against Uruguay in the third-place play-off.
Following an impressive 2013-14 campaign, he became a target for some of the biggest clubs in the world.
Manchester United sent scouts to watch him, while new Juventus boss Allegri was keen on a reunion with Astori in Turin.
However, he opted to join Roma on a season-long loan, making his Champions League debut in the process.
The Italian capital side had wanted to keep him, but he moved to Fiorentina.
He soon established himself as a fan-favourite at the Artemio Franchi, embracing the club's values — and soon being named club captain.
In an era where there are so few club icons, he became a symbol of loyalty.
Fiorentina are a club which has always sold its best players, but Astori rejected every opportunity to leave, insisting it was his dream to deliver a trophy to their long-suffering supporters.
His popularity among Italian football was clear, as the decision to postpone the clash between Genoa and Cagliari was greeted with applause from within the stadium.
While the tearful players had to be consoled after learning of the passing of their friend.
Astori's tragic passing has left a terrible void in Serie A, and he will be sorely missed.