Italy mourns

Footballer collapses after scoring a goal – dead

Mattia Giani died at the age of just 26.(Bild: APA/TOBIAS STEINMAURER (Symbolbild), facebook.com/FBC Castelfiorentino United 1925 ASD)

Italy's soccer world is mourning the death of top league footballer Mattia Giani. The 26-year-old collapsed and died during a match on Sunday.

The striker had scored in the 15th minute of the game for his team Castelfiorentino from Tuscany in an away match against Lanciotto Campi in Italy's fifth-highest division, then grabbed his chest and collapsed.

A member of the Castelfiorentino staff immediately began resuscitation measures in front of the shocked players and spectators, after which Giani was taken to hospital. On Monday, it was announced that the 26-year-old had died of cardiac arrest.

"Incredible tragedy"
"At a moment like this, there are no words. An incredible tragedy and heartbreaking pain," wrote Castelfiorentino's mayor Alessio Falorni on Facebook. The President of the Italian Football Association, Gabriele Gravina, also expressed his deep sorrow and ordered a minute's silence at all soccer grounds in the country this week.

Particularly tragic: Giani, who grew up near Pisa, had been out of action for a long time due to a serious injury and celebrated his comeback on Sunday. He began his footballing career at Empoli and Pisa and then made it to Serie D (fourth division). His younger brother plays in Serie C (third division) for Legnago Salus.