He was supposed to lead Fiorentina against Benevento last Sunday. But destiny had a different thought. Davide Astori was present in some sense at Stadio Artemio Franchi for his side's Serie A game but, sadly, not physically. His memory prevailed over everything – from the stands to the ground – during the game which marked Fiorentina's first game without their deceased captain. 

As the Serie A club were playing their first game since Astori died in his sleep at the team hotel in Udinese last week it was a somber affair at their home ground in Florence. Fans unveiled banners in Astori's honour while players warmed up in shirts bearing his name and number 13. After 13 minutes of the game, the players briefly stopped to remember Astori with the fans turning the stand purple – Fiorentina's colour – with "Davide 13" while chanting together Astori's name.

Much to the joy of his emotionally-charged teammates and the home crowds, Vitor Hugo scored the only goal of the game in the 25th minute and celebrated by holding a jersey, printed with a photograph of Astori, to the crowd.

With the scoreline remaining 1-0 in the hosts' favour until the full-time, as soon as the final whistle was blown, the Fiorentina players, coach Stefen Pioli and other officials broke down into tears and cried inconsolably remembering their recently departed teammate. For once, the joy and relief of a victory were replaced by grief and sorrow. Later, the club tweeted: "We dedicate this win to Davide and all those who loved him. #DA13forever."