What was supposed to be a normal matchday build-up in Italian football turned into a moment of mourning and shock.
Just hours before Lecce was scheduled to face Atalanta in a Serie A fixture, devastating news emerged — longtime Lecce physiotherapist Graziano Fiorita had passed away suddenly at just 38 years old.
The heartbreaking incident has left players, staff, and fans stunned, and has understandably led to the postponement of the match.
Lecce’s Emotional Statement and Immediate Reaction
Shortly after the news broke, Lecce released a deeply emotional statement through their official channels.
They revealed that Fiorita had died unexpectedly while staying with the team during their pre-match preparations in Coccaglio.
The club expressed their sorrow, stating:
“In this moment of deep pain and total disbelief, in which any word would be superfluous, 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.”
Lecce also confirmed that the squad would be returning home immediately, and their fixture against Atalanta would be rescheduled to allow the team to mourn.
Patrick Dorgu Pays Heartfelt Tribute to His Former Physio
Manchester United’s Patrick Dorgu, who made his professional breakthrough at Lecce before moving to Old Trafford earlier this year, shared his grief in a touching message on Instagram.
Posting a photo of Fiorita, Dorgu wrote in Italian:
“Riposa in pace amico mio,” which translates to “Rest in peace, my friend.”
Fiorita had been an important figure in Dorgu’s development, working closely with the young talent during his rise at Lecce.
The tribute reflected a deep bond that went beyond the pitch.
Atalanta and the Football World Share Their Condolences
Atalanta, who were set to host Lecce in Friday night’s game, also expressed their sympathies.
The club posted a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter), joining Lecce and Fiorita’s family in mourning his loss.
This gesture of solidarity underlines how closely knit the football world can be in moments of sorrow, regardless of rivalries or league standings.
Fiorita’s Legacy at Lecce Spanned Two Decades
Graziano Fiorita wasn’t just a staff member — he was part of the fabric of Lecce.
Serving as the team’s physio for 20 years, he played a crucial role behind the scenes, helping athletes return from injury and supporting countless players through their careers.
His sudden passing has left a void that will be deeply felt at Lecce and beyond.
Serie A Matches Affected by Recent Tragedies
Fiorita’s passing comes during an already emotional week for Italian football.
Just days ago, Serie A fixtures were also disrupted following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88 on Easter Monday.
Four league matches were rescheduled out of respect for the Pope’s passing, highlighting a rare week of mourning and reflection across Italy.