Davide Astori has been described as "generous, positive [and] altruistic" in a heartfelt tribute from Fiorentina coach Stefano Pioli.
The 31-year-old was found dead at the team hotel last Sunday, with an autopsy indicating heart problems were to blame for his passing.
Fiorentina's match against Udinese and the rest of the day's Serie A fixtures were consequently postponed and Astori's funeral was held on Thursday, when thousands of fans turned up in the square outside the Basilica di Santa Croce to pay their respects.
Pioli's men face Benevento this Sunday and Pioli spoke with evident emotion about the loss of Astori.