Piazza di Santa Croce is a famous large open square in Florence, Italy, home to the Basilica of the same name. Work on this magnificent church was completed in 1385, with famous Florentines such as Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli all buried inside. These important figures and their historical significance have shaped how the modern-day people of this city are today, their passion and pride always on the outside for others to see.
The square hosts the annual Calcio Storico tournament, another display of what the continuation of their rich history means to them. The Bandiere degli Uffizi – the official flag-bearers of the city – represent the Florentine republic of the 16th century and are present at official events such as this, always dressed in traditional costume.
Today the Bandiere were there in Santa Croce once again, however this time they would represent Florence for a much more sombre occasion. Around 7,000 fans of the city’s football team Fiorentina packed that square in order to say goodbye to their Captain Davide Astori, who tragically died in his sleep from heart failure during last Saturday night.
Former team-mates and Coaches from across the world of Italian football arrived for the service, including many representatives from the Juventus side that flew in straight from last night’s match in London to be present. Those who wear black and white would normally be greeted with vitriol as Fiorentina’s most hated rivals, but today those differences were put aside as the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli were applauded by the Viola supporters as they arrived.
Footballers often garner a reputation for being inarticulate, but 29-year-old Croatia international Milan Badelj gave a thoughtful and eloquent tribute to his captain during the service. “Davide, you are simple, direct, pragmatic,” said the Viola midfielder. “With your deep gaze you can get inside people's eyes and stay there. You are not like everyone else. You managed to talk to us all, to show us the way, you always spoke with your heart.
“You encouraged the youngest and thrashed the oldest, you have the gift of the universal language of the heart, a gift of the chosen few. Your mother, your father must know that they did not make a mistake with you. If you're like that, it's because they transmitted it to you. You are the son and brother that everyone wants to have, you are the best teammate that a boy can dream of having when you begin this beautiful game.
“How can we forget your laughter, your sense of humour? You, a world famous designer and a footballer in your free time as you loved to say. In reality, you are football, the pure kind played by children. Our thoughts go to your mother, father, Bruno, Marco, Francesca and Princess Victoria. It will be the task of those around her to tell her who her father was, Davide, a Man with a capital M.
“In the morning, in the physiotherapy room, you were always to turn on the light. Behold, you are the light for us. Thank you Davide.”
Astori may not have hailed from the days of those aforementioned Renaissance greats, however he – just like them – will be remembered across the globe and by those who inhabit the city. Those loyal Fiorentina supporters will never allow the legacy of one of their own to be forgotten, and this tragic event will certainly shape the future of this side.
Indeed, as the Captain was carried out of the church in his coffin with a guard of honour formed by children from the youth sector, the fans raised their scarves aloft and let off a myriad of flares as they sang their anthem in unison. This is normally sung at every home game as the players enter and exit the pitch, but this time it gave one of their own a final farewell.
“Oh, Fiorentina,” goes a rough translation of the song. “We fight everywhere with courage and valour. In the hour of despair and of victory, remember that yours is the history of football.”
Those words seemed strangely appropriate for Davide Astori, as supporters fought through their sadness to forever honour a man whose smile and courage – both as a Captain and as a man – provided light for all those around him.
