Club devastated at news of Astori's death

Astori, 31, passed away during Saturday night, as his side stayed in Udine ahead of Sunday's scheduled match against Udinese.

As a mark of respect, all Serie A games on Sunday have been cancelled.

The Italy international, a graduate of AC Milan's youth academy, was an incredibly popular figure at the club when he played for Roma during the 2014-15 campaign.

As news of his passing spread the tributes to a fine man quickly poured in on social media, both from Roma colleagues past and present and others throughout the footballing world.

"Shocked, incredulous and speechless at this tragedy," former teammate Francesco Totti wrote. "My thoughts are with the family and friends of Davide Astori."

Rudi Garcia, Giallorossi manager when Astori played at the Olimpico, added his eulogy.

"Devastated to hear the news about the premature passing of my former player Davide Astori," the Frenchman wrote. "He was a model professional and great man.

"My thoughts are with his family and his nearest and dearest. Rest in peace, Davide."

On our Italian site, a tribute was published to express the club's deep sadness. In English, it reads:

Terrible news to wake up to, the sort you never wish to receive. On Sunday Davide Astori left us suddenly, just 31 years old, and just a few hours away from another game seemingly like any other.Together, we shared a season full of emotions. During the 2014-15 campaign Astori made 30 appearances in a Roma shirt - and scored a decisive goal, against Udinese, in the same stadium where he would have led out Fiorentina as captain today.It seems impossible that his smile could so suddenly vanished, on a damned night, leaving an unfixable void in the heart of all those who knew him and were surprised and invigorated every day by his many interests, his curiosity, and the professionalism he showed in all aspects of his work.Working with him was straightforward, because he was straightforward. Overcoming his sudden passing never will be.Goodbye, Davide.