Inter Milan coach Luciano Spalletti admits Davide Astori's passing hit everyone connected to Italian football.

The Nerazzurri were meant to play the Derby della Madonnina last Sunday evening, but that and every other Serie A game was called off after the tragic news that Fiorentina captain Astori had died.

“What happened really stays with you, because in this sport we are much more deeply connected than might appear from the outside. Many more friends stay in contact after moving on that you might think," said Spalletti.

“Astori leaves behind an inheritance on how behaving fairly closes the gap between opponents. Everyone said hello to him when they met up. His passing will leave an infinite mark."

It was particularly painful for former Fiorentina teammates Borja Valero and Miguel Veloso, who attended the funeral on Thursday.

“There were many who had a bond with Astori, but people tell us to play and therefore we have to play. His attitude was the right one for sport in general and we must carry it on in his name."