LECCE’S Serie A match against Atalanta is set to be postponed following the tragic death of their physiotherapist Graziano Fiorita aged 38.
Fiorita had been with the team at a training camp in Coccaglio when he passed away.
US LEECELecce physiotherapist Graziano Fiorita has died aged 38[/caption]
The Italian side have expressed their shock at Fiorita’s sudden passing and have confirmed that they will travel back to Lecce – with tomorrow’s match to be called off.
A club statement read: “U.S. Lecce is deeply upset to announce that Graziano Fiorita has suddenly passed away.
“The physiotherapist, who has been in the Giallorossi ranks for over 20 years, was with the first-team at the Coccaglio training camp.
“The team will return to Lecce immediately, as tomorrow’s game against Atalanta will be postponed.
“In this moment of deep pain and total disbelief, the club can only huddle around his wife, Azzurra, children Carolina, Davide, Nicolo and Riccardo, his mother Francesca and all members of his family.”
Fiorita had been a mainstay at Lecce for more than two decades, with his father Fernando having previously served as a team masseuse.
Atalanta have also posted a message of condolence on social media.
It reads: “Atalanta BC joins the family and @OfficialUSLecce in mourning the sudden passing of Graziano Fiorita, physiotherapist of the Salento club.”
Four Serie A matches scheduled for Easter Monday were postponed following the death of Pope Francis aged 88.
The games were instead played on Wednesday.
None will take place this Saturday either, due to the late Pope’s funeral.
Six matches are scheduled to go ahead on Sunday, with a further three next Monday.
It remains to be seen where Atalanta against Lecce will be fit into the schedule.
Both sides have five matches remaining – with Atalanta seven points off top spot and Lecce and battling the drop in 17th.
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