- Mattia Giani, a 26-year-old footballer, died on the pitch during an Eccellenza league game.
- The incident occurred on the anniversary of another young footballer’s death from a heart attack.
- The Italian Football Federation and the football community mourned Giani’s loss, emphasizing the importance of player health and prevention.
Football Tragedy: Mattia Giani Dies on Pitch – The tragic death of Mattia Giani, a 26-year-old footballer from Ponte a Egola, Tuscany, has left the football community in shock and mourning. Giani, who played for Castelfiorentino in the Eccellenza league, suffered a heart attack on the pitch during a match against Lanciotto Campi on Sunday, April 19, 2024. This incident occurred at the Stadio Comunale Lanciotto Ballerini in Campi Bisenzio, on the outskirts of Florence, at minute 15 of the game. Giani collapsed after taking a shot on target, a moment that was witnessed by his parents in the stands.
The incident was reported by Sky TG 24, which described Giani’s collapse as a cardiac arrest followed by a seizure. Immediate medical attention was provided on the pitch, including a cardiac massage, and Giani was then intubated and transported to Careggi hospital in Florence, where he tragically passed away.
This tragic event occurred on the anniversary of the death of Piermario Morosini, a former Livorno midfielder who also suffered a heart attack on the pitch during a Serie B match on April 14, 2012. Morosini was 25 years old at the time of his death, and his passing led to Livorno retiring his No.25 shirt and naming one of their Curvas after him. The coincidence of Giani’s death on the same anniversary of Morosini’s has added a poignant layer to the tragedy.
In response to the tragic loss, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) expressed its deepest condolences to Giani’s family and the entire football community. FIGC president Gabriele Gravina highlighted the importance of prioritizing player health and the need for ongoing efforts to prevent such tragic events. A minute’s silence will be observed across all FIGC matches in all competitions scheduled from the day of Giani’s death and throughout the weekend as a mark of respect.
Dead at 26. New normal? https://t.co/zB5sxSbLVx
— EnglishClub.com (@EnglishClub) April 16, 2024
The Castelfiorentino club and the broader football community have also expressed their condolences. Roma, in particular, shared their condolences on their Twitter page, emphasizing their thoughts being with Giani’s family, friends, and everyone at Castelfiorentino United
The incident has underscored the importance of player health and safety in football, reminding everyone of the need for continuous efforts to protect the well-being of players on and off the field. The football community, including players, clubs, and fans, will undoubtedly remember Mattia Giani as a tragic loss that serves as a reminder of the dangers on the pitch and the importance of prioritizing health and safety.
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