Original meeting was postponed because of Viola captain's death — and before match is was announced play would be stopped
TRAGIC Davide Astori was give a minute's applause during Udinese's clash with Fiorentina.
It was a rearranged fixture, with the original meeting scheduled for March 4 having been cancelled following the Viola captain's tragic passing.
The match was particularly poignant because Astori was born in Udine, where the contest was played.
However, there was some confusion when the 13 minute mark — which referred to his squad number — arrived as, before the match, Serie A's official Twitter account confirmed play would be stopped as tribute.
Yet Udinese had stated that his picture would be beamed on a big screen, while urging fans to join in a minute's applause.
On 13 minutes, the stadium announced something was about to happen with a ring, but Udinese carried on playing.
Fans from both sides joined in a raucous minute's applause, before chanting: "There's only one captain".
Fiorentina's first match after the tragic incident — against Benevento — was called to a halt with the referee's whistle on 13 minutes so fans and players could join in an emotional 60 second of applause.
Italian media appeared equally confused, as Gazzetta dello Sport wrote: "Only the fans stop in tribute."
Banners of Astori were held aloft by fans, who continue to honour their fallen hero, while even Udinese supporters paid their respects.
Fiorentina took the lead on 28 minutes following a penalty by former Aston Villa midfielder Jordan Veretout.
It had been won by the impressive Federico Chiesa in similar fashion to the controversial spot-kick the winger earned against England at Wembley.
Giovanni Simeone — son of Diego — added a second on 71 minutes as la Viola continue to press for a Europa League place.
