Fiorentina captain and Italy international footballer Davide Astori, 31, dies in his sleep

Italy international star and Fiorentina captain, Davide Astori, 31, has died in his sleep ahead of their Serie A fixture against Udinese on Sunday.

According to Udine Today, the defender failed to wake up at the La di Moret hotel in the city on Sunday morning. 

A statement issued by Fiorentina read: 'Fiorentina are profoundly shaken and forced to announce that their captain Davide Astori has died.

'For this terrible and delicate situation, and above all out of respect for his family, we appeal to the sensitivity of the media.'

Mail Online also reports that the club's match at the Stadio Friuli has been called off as a mark of respect, with the possibility of all entire Serie A programme to be postponed.

Udinese also confirmed that the fixture they were scheduled to play against Fiorentina on Sunday will not hold.

"Following the tragic news this morning that struck the ACF Fiorentina and the whole world of football, the match between Udinese and Fiorentina has postponed to date to be arranged," they confirmed.

The 31-year-old central defender, had been with the club since 2016 having previously played for Milan, Cagliari and Roma.

Footballers and fans around the world are already pouring out tributes to mourn the footballer.