Fiorentina to rename training facility after Astori

In the wake of Davide Astori passing, there’s been a lot of speculation about how the Fiorentina would honor him. The news about the club honoring the contract extension he would have signed two days after his death and paying the full amount to his partner and daughter was applauded around the world, even though management never confirmed that they were going to do so; it was a bit of a fiasco. We’ve heard talk about renaming any new stadium in his honor. His number 13 has been retired, which is nice and correct.

Fiorentina president Mario Cognini announced yesterday, though, that the club has renamed its training facility (previously known as the Centro Sportivo Campini) after its late captain. The Centro Davide Astori has a pleasant ring to it, and it feels correct. The club was obviously bound to name something after him, and the practice facility is the best thing.

After all, Davide was the type of guy who led from the front, but led quietly. He wasn’t interested in the performative elements of leadership; he just set the example by working hard, taking care of his mates, and doing the right thing without a second thought. These are the qualities you want to instill in every member of the squad every day, so it makes perfect sense to give his name to the practice facility. After all, that’s where the players spend most of their time. That’s where all the hard work to become a good team gets done. And that is what Davide Astori’s legacy ought to be.