The world of Italian football is in mourning after the tragic passing of 26-year-old striker Mattia Giani. Giani suffered a cardiac arrest during a fifth-division match in Tuscany on April 14, leading to his death.
Giani, a player for Castelfiorentino, collapsed while attempting a goal shot during a match against Lanciotto Campi at Campi Bisenzio. It happened in the 15th minute of the game with Giani gripping his chest before falling.
First aid attempts were made on the pitch by a masseur before Giani was rushed to Careggi Hospital in Florence. Unfortunately, he passed away the next day. The suddenness of his death has sparked numerous tributes and raised concerns about medical readiness at sports events.
The incident fell on the anniversary of the death of Piermario Morosini, who also died from a heart attack during a match in 2012. In recognition of Giani’s death, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) declared that a minute’s silence would be observed at all football matches across Italy the following weekend.
Italian prosecutors have launched a manslaughter investigation following indications of potential medical negligence. Allegedly, the first ambulance arrived without a doctor, and essential medical equipment, including a defibrillator, was not immediately available.
Gianluca Mancini, a player for AS Roma whose sister is in a relationship with Giani’s brother Elia, expressed his grief and solidarity. After scoring a goal in Roma’s 2-1 Europa League victory over AC Milan, Mancini revealed a T-shirt saying “Farewell Mattia, forever with us,” dedicating his performance to Giani. Mancini shared with 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 talented player, albeit one whose career was frequently hindered by muscle issues.
His girlfriend, Sofia Caruso, who had started living with him only two days before his death, 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 expressed their future plans, “We were thinking about getting married, we said we wanted children. Mattia made me understand what love was and he took care of me.”
Following the incident, Giani’s family is seeking answers. His father, Sandro Giani, filed a complaint aimed at understanding the circumstances surrounding his son’s sudden death, particularly criticizing the lack of medical staff on-site and the delayed response of the emergency services.
FIGC president, Gabriele Gravina, offered his condolences and highlighted 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.”
