- Mattia Giani, a 26-year-old footballer, died on the pitch during an Eccellenza league match.
- The incident occurred on the anniversary of the death of another young footballer from a heart attack.
- The Italian Football Federation and the football community mourned Giani's loss, stressing 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 field during a match against Lanciotto Campi on Sunday, April 19, 2024. This incident happened at the Estadio Comunale Lanciotto Ballerini in Campi Bisenzio, in the outside of Florence. , in the 15th minute of the game. Giani collapsed after taking a shot at goal, a moment witnessed by his parents in the stands.
The incident was reported by Sky TG 24, who described Giani's collapse as a cardiac arrest followed by a seizure. Immediate medical attention was provided on the field, including cardiac massage, and Giani was intubated and taken to the Careggi Hospital in Florence, where he tragically died.
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 14 April 2012. Morosini was 25 years at the time of his death, and his passing caused Livorno to retire his number 25 shirt and name him one of their Curvas. The coincidence of Giani's death on the same anniversary as 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. The president of the FIGC, Gabriele Gravina, emphasized the importance of prioritizing the health of the players and the need for constant efforts to prevent such tragic events. A minute's silence will be observed at all FIGC matches in all scheduled competitions from the day of Giani's death and throughout the weekend as a mark of respect.
Died at age 26. New normal? https://t.co/zB5sxSbLVx
— EnglishClub.com (@EnglishClub) April 16, 2024
The Castelfiorentino club and the wider football community have also expressed their condolences. Roma, in particular, shared his condolences on his Twitter page, emphasizing his thoughts with Giani's family, friends and everyone at Castelfiorentino United.
The incident has highlighted the importance of player health and safety in football, reminding everyone of the need for ongoing efforts to protect the well-being of players on and off the field. The football community, including players, clubs and fans, will no doubt 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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