From 14 to 16 June 2024, Florence was the stage for the second edition of the Davide Astori Memorial, a tournament organized by the Affrico Sports Union to honor the memory of the Fiorentina captain and defender, who passed away prematurely on 4 March 2018. The event, sponsored by the Tuscany Region, the Municipality of Florence, the CONI Tuscany Regional Committee, the LND Regional Committee, sponsored by MITA and Target Costruzioni, saw the participation of numerous teams of male and female chicks, transforming the Affrico structures into a epicenter of sporting enthusiasm and fond memories.
The opening of the tournament featured David Guetta, who hosted the opening event. The competition hosted various men’s and women’s teams. Among the men’s teams, AS Roma, US Affrico, Polisportiva Monteserra, Giovani Fucecchio, AC Fiorentina, Cremonese, Petrarca Napoli, Urbania Calcio, AC Cagliari, San Pellegrino, CF 2001, AC Milan, Rondinella, Grifone Nettuno and San Marco Avenza participated. The tournament ended with the victory of the AC Milan players, who demonstrated a great level of play. The women’s tournament saw the participation of Affrico, Tau Centro di Formazione Inter, Sporting Arno and Atletico Levante Leona with the victory of the Affrico girls.
President Valeria Pisacchi and general director Luca Giotti welcomed the guests and football figures present with institutional greetings, followed by the speech of Michele Pierguidi, president of Quartiere 2. Among the other authorities present were Simone Cardullo, regional president of CONI, and Paolo Mangini, president of the LND. Among those present were also Maurizio Niccolini, director of the ACF Fiorentina football school, and Simone Mazzoncini, DS of the Fiorentina women’s sector. Speaking to greet the participants were Eugenio Giani, president of the Tuscany Region, vice president Stefania Saccardi, councilor and candidate for mayor of Florence Sara Funaro and city councilor Fabio Giorgetti.
During the event, several illustrious figures from the world of football and sports journalism were awarded:
Marco Bucciantini received a plaque delivered by Valeria Pisacchi. Bucciantini, a professional journalist since 2004, has collaborated with Sky Italia as a commentator on the Europa League post-match broadcasts and as a regular guest of the Sky Calcio Club.
Stefano Cecchi received a plaque delivered by Luca Giotti. Cecchi is a well-known sports journalist appreciated for his analyzes and comments.
Stefano Gambera, coach of the Giovanissime Under 14 team of ACF Fiorentina, received a plaque from Mauro Ermini. Gambera took his girls to the Tuscan Cup finals.
Tommaso Palazzini was awarded by Antonella Vitiello. Palazzini, part of US Affrico, won the regional title with the Allievi team and participated in the Tuscany Junior Regional Representative.
Tommaso Martinelli, Fiorentina goalkeeper, received a plaque from Renato Buso. Martinelli was recognized by the English newspaper The Guardian as one of the best players born in 2006 worldwide.
Cristian Prosperi, historic Affrico player until last year, currently manager, was surprisingly awarded with a plaque presented by Vice President Alessandro Tonelli after the presentation by Giovanni La Spina.
There were also two awards for:
Giorgio Perinetti, sports director unfortunately absent, received a special career award, collected by US Affrico Sports Director Matteo Petrachi.
Patrizia Panico, coach, true icon of Italian women’s football. Panico holds the record as top scorer in Serie A, a title he has won on 14 occasions.
The tournament strengthened the bond between the city, young people and the memory of Davide Astori, a symbol of passion and dedication for football. The participating teams and the awarded figures paid homage to a great champion, continuing to build new memories in his name.
