Roma and Italy defender Gianluca Mancini mourns the death of Mattia Giani, a 26-year-old Italian footballer who was the brother of his brother-in-law: ‘We are destroyed.’
Giani died on Monday at the Careggi Hospital in Florence, where he had been admitted in critical condition the previous day after suffering a cardiac arrest during an away Eccellenza match between his club Castelfiorentino and Lanciotto Campi.
His brother, Elia, is also a footballer, currently on loan at Legnano from Pisa, and Elia’s girlfriend is Mancini’s sister, Arianna.
The Roma and Italy defender shared multiple messages on Instagram over the last few hours to mourn the death of the brother of his brother-law.
“Today, every thought is for you. Mattia,” wrote Mancini.
“The sweet brother of our loved uncle Elia. Dear Uncle Elia, we are destroyed, and there are no words, but we will stick together at this difficult time and help you get up alongside your little nephews. Rest in peace, Mattia. May the earth be light for you.”
The Italy international also posted a picture of him hugging and smiling with Giani on a beach.
Roma and Napoli were among the clubs paying tribute to Giani with a social media message on Monday. A minute of silence will be held before every Serie A game in the next round.
