Former Italy international Giorgio Chiellini scored his first MLS goal against Portland on Saturday, dedicating it to Davide Astori.
Astori, a former Fiorentina captain, had died at 31 on March 4, 2018, and Chiellini scored his first goal in the MLS on the fifth anniversary of his passing on March 4, 2023.
The experienced defender dedicated his goal to his friend and former Azzurri teammate, who he had remembered on social media hours before the game against Portland on Saturday.
On the pitch, Chiellini dedicated his goal to Astori by celebrating with the captain’s salute, a gesture that former Fiorentina defender Vitor Hugo had made after La Viola’s first goal following Astori’s death in 2018.
Chiellini and Astori had played together with Italy and the ex-Italy captain spared a thought for his friend in the aftermath of Italy’s Euro 2020 victory almost two years ago.
“We extend the dedication to Davide Astori, we would have liked to have him here with us, he is always present in the thoughts and hearts of those who met him,” Chiellini said the day after the victory at Wembley Stadium.
Two of Astori’s former clubs, Fiorentina and Milan, met in a Serie A match on Saturday with Stefano Pioli, the Tuscans’ coach in 2018, returning to the Stadio Franchi in charge of the Rossoneri.