Medics ignored Astori signs

By Football Italia staff

Another two doctors who did medicals on Fiorentina captain Davide Astori in 2014 and 2017 are accused of negligence after failing to spot his heart problems.

The defender died suddenly in his sleep in the Fiorentina team hotel in Udine the night before a game in March 2018.

Many have asked how it was possible that a professional football player who was checked regularly could have such a serious undiagnosed condition?

The investigation continues and today the Florence prosecutor’s office added another two names to the list of those suspected of negligence and even manslaughter.

They are chief of the Cagliari Institute of Medicine for Sport, Francesco Stagno, and medical consultant for the Aouc institute in Florence, Giorgio Galanti.

According to the prosecutors, both medics “violated protocol” by not writing down possible flags of cardiac issues during stress tests and not recommending further follow-up tests.

Stagno faces the strongest accusations, as it’s claimed Astori’s routine pre-season medical in July 2014 had already flagged up cardiac irregularities, but the medic not only didn’t suggest further investigation, he didn’t even note the results down in the certificate giving him the all-clear to compete at a professional level.

Galanti gave Astori two similar certificates in 2016 and 2017, which again were duly released despite noting irregularities during the stress tests.

If spotted early enough and allowed further investigation, it’s possible Astori could’ve been saved with medication or even the advice to stop his playing career.

Astori was 31 when he died, leaving behind his partner and their two-year-old daughter.

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