Mattia Giani, a 26-year-old footballer for Castelfiorentino in Eccellenza, has died in Florence after suffering a heart attack on the pitch on Sunday, on the anniversary of Piermario Morosini’s passing.
Castelfiorentino Mayor Alessio Falorni sadly confirmed on Monday morning that 26-year-old footballer Mattia Giani had died at the Careggi hospital in Florence, the day after suffering a heart attack during a competitive Eccellenza match (Italy’s 5th division) between his club Castelfiorentino and Lanciotto Campi.
The incident happened at the Stadio Comunale Lanciotto Ballerini in Campi Bisenzio, on the outskirts of Florence, at minute 15. Giani reportedly collapsed after taking a shot on target, in a game where his parents were watching from the stands.
Giani suffers heart attack
Sky TG 24 reports the 26-year-old Italian footballer had a cardiac arrest followed by a seizure. Doctors immediately rushed to the pitch to give Giani a cardiac massage and the player was intubated and taken to Careggi hospital.
A few hours later, Roma defender Evan Ndicka also collapsed in a Serie A match between Udinese and Roma, but it was excluded the Giallorossi defender had suffered a cardiac arrest despite initial fears.
Giani collapsed on the anniversary of Piermario Morosini’s death. The ex-Livorno midfielder suffered a heart attack on the pitch on April 14, 2012, during a Serie B match between Pescara and the Amaranto. He died at the Pescara hospital a few hours later.
Morosini was aged 25 and Livorno retired his No.25 shirt following his death. A product of Atalanta‘s Academy, La Dea named one of their Curvas after the former Italian midfielder.
May he rest in peace.