Fiorentina defender German Pezzella wrote that his “soul is crying to think I’ll never again see” Davide Astori by his side.
The captain died in his sleep and was discovered on Sunday morning, when he failed to turn up to breakfast.
The squad was staying at a hotel in Udine preparing for that afternoon’s planned Serie A match with Udinese.
Fiorentina defender German Pezzella wrote that his “soul is crying to think I’ll never again see” Davide Astori by his side.
The captain died in his sleep and was discovered on Sunday morning, when he failed to turn up to breakfast.
The squad was staying at a hotel in Udine preparing for that afternoon’s planned Serie A match with Udinese.
“I have no words to describe what I am feeling,” wrote his Viola centre-back partner Pezzella on Instagram.
“From the first day you were by my side, helping and giving advice. A sincere and upfront man, who gave everything for his teammates.
“I learned so much from you and my soul is crying to think I’ll never again see you by my side, doing what we love and enjoying your presence every day.
“Thank you for everything CAPTAIN, you will be always present FRIEND.”