The football community in Italy is grieving the sudden death of 26-year-old forward, Mattia Giani, who passed away due to a heart attack during a fifth-division match in Tuscany on April 14.
The unfortunate event took place when Giani, a player for Castelfiorentino, was attempting a shot on goal in a match against Lanciotto Campi at Campi Bisenzio in Florence, Italy.
After clutching his chest, Giani collapsed in the 15th minute of the game. Initial revival efforts were made by a masseur present on the field. He was subsequently rushed to Careggi Hospital in Florence, where he passed away the next day.
The unexpected death has led to a surge of tributes and raised questions regarding medical readiness at sporting events.
Giani’s tragic demise coincided with the anniversary of Piermario Morosini’s death, a footballer who also died of a heart attack during a game in 2012.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) declared that a minute of silence would be observed at all football matches across Italy the following weekend in Giani’s honor.
Italian prosecutors have initiated a manslaughter investigation following indications of potential medical negligence. Reports suggest that the first responding ambulance arrived without a doctor, and vital medical equipment, including a defibrillator, was not immediately accessible.
Gianluca Mancini, a player for AS Roma, whose sister is in a relationship with Giani’s brother Elia, shared his sorrow and solidarity. After scoring a goal in Roma’s 2-1 Europa League victory over AC Milan, Mancini unveiled a T-shirt with the message “Farewell Mattia, forever with us,” dedicating his performance to Giani. Mancini told Sky Sports Italia, “My sister and Mattia’s family are suffering. The world around them has collapsed, but they will rise again. I wanted to dedicate this goal to him.”
Nico Scaridigli, Giani’s coach, remembered him as a “wonderful guy” and a gifted player whose career was frequently interrupted by muscle issues.
Sofia Caruso, Giani’s girlfriend who had moved in with him only two days before his death, poignantly shared their last moments together. “We woke up on Sunday. We talked and laughed: it was beautiful. Then Matti took the bag… He wrote to me: ‘Love, I left you the accreditation for the match in the name of Giani. I love you madly.’”
She also spoke about their future plans, stating, “We were thinking about getting married, we said we wanted children. Mattia made me understand what love was and he took care of me.”
The incident has led Giani’s family to demand answers. His father, Sandro Giani, lodged a complaint aiming to understand the circumstances surrounding his son’s premature death, especially criticizing the absence of medical staff on-site and the delayed response of the emergency services.
Gabriele Gravina, the FIGC president, extended his condolences and emphasized the importance of health safeguards in sports: “The entire Italian football movement rallies around those who loved him… Such dramatic events remind us that prevention must always be a priority.”
This tragic incident has sparked a discussion on the imperative need for adequate medical facilities and trained staff at sports venues to prevent similar future occurrences.
