Manchester United wing-back Patrick Dorgu has shared heartfelt tributes to Graziano Fiorita, his former physio at Lecce, following the tragic news of his sudden death at the age of 38.
The loss has deeply affected the football community, with Dorgu reflecting on the pivotal role Fiorita played in his career.
Lecce’s Heartbreaking Announcement
The sad news broke on Thursday, just ahead of Lecce’s Serie A match against Atalanta.
Fiorita was found dead at the team’s retreat in Coccaglio, leaving everyone in shock.
Lecce confirmed the devastating news via a statement on their website, stating that the match, scheduled for Friday night, would be postponed.
The club expressed their sorrow, offering their support to Fiorita’s family: “US Lecce, deeply shocked, announces that Graziano Fiorita has suddenly passed away.
The physiotherapist was with the team at the retreat in Coccaglio.
The team will return to Lecce immediately, as tomorrow’s match against Atalanta will be postponed.
In this moment of deep pain and total disbelief, the club can only gather around his wife Azzurra and his children Carolina, Davide, Nicolò, and Riccardo, his mother Francesca, and all his family members.”
A Legacy of Service
Fiorita’s death has left a profound impact, especially considering his two-decade-long dedication to Lecce.
His professional guidance played a key role in Dorgu’s rise to the first team before he made his move to Manchester United in February.
In a tribute on Instagram, Dorgu shared a photo of Fiorita, accompanied by a message in Italian that read: “Riposa in pace amico mio” (Rest in peace my friend).
This simple yet poignant gesture reflected the deep bond they shared, highlighting the influence Fiorita had on his career.
Atalanta’s Condolences
Atalanta, who were set to play Lecce the following day, also expressed their condolences.
The club’s official social media accounts posted: “Atalanta BC joins the family and @OfficialUSLecce in mourning the sudden passing of Graziano Fiorita, physiotherapist of the Salento club.”
A Difficult Week for Italian Football
This tragedy comes just days after Italy experienced another significant loss—the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday at the age of 88.
The passing of the Pope caused a ripple effect across the country, with several Serie A matches, including four initially scheduled for the weekend, being rescheduled to Wednesday as part of the national mourning period.
As the football community continues to grieve, it remains to be seen how the rescheduling of Lecce’s match with Atalanta will unfold, and whether other adjustments will be necessary in the coming weeks.