Astori's teammates pay tribute as clubs retire number 13 shirt

Fiorentina have retired the number 13 shirt in honour of club captain Davide Astori who tragically passed away on Sunday night (AEDT).

Fiorentina captain Davide Astori Source: Getty Images

Cagliari also announced their decision to retire the number 13 shirt which was worn by Astori during six seasons at the Sardinian club earlier in his career.

Led by coach Stefano Pioli, the Fiorentina squad gathered at the gates of the Artemio Franchi stadium where the team play their home games and placed a picture of Astori alongside the banners, scarves and messages previously left by fans.

They then stood in a semi-circle and applauded.

The club said in a statement that they would take part in a training session in the afternoon.

Astori, who made 289 Serie A appearances in 10 seasons and played 14 times for the national team, was found dead in his room at the team hotel in Udine where Fiorentina had been due to play Udinese on Monday (AEDT).

That match was postponed along with all other Serie A games.

"In honour of Davide Astori's memory and to make his memory indelible, Cagliari and Fiorentina have decided to retire the No. 13 shirt," Fiorentina said on Twitter. Cagliari posted a similar message.

The municipal government of Florence has declared a day of mourning for Friday (AEDT) when Astori's funeral will take place. Schools and businesses have been asked to observe one minute's silence at 13:00 local time (23:00 AEDT).