Serie A club announce shock death of physio as game with Atalanta postponed out of honour for 38-year-old

Fiorita, just 38 years old, died unexpectedly while he was with the team during a training camp in Coccaglio. His death has left the club and the wider Italian football fraternity in mourning.

Fiorita was said to be more than just a medical professional for Lecce; he was part of the club's fabric. His ties to the club ran even deeper through family as his father, Fernando Fiorita, had previously been employed by the club in the role of team masseuse. Lecce, devastated by the news, have taken the decision to return home immediately, and the league has moved to postpone their upcoming match with Atalanta.

In a message released by the club, Lecce said: "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."

Atalanta also released a statement of solidarity and support via social media, which read: "Atalanta BC joins the family and Lecce in mourning the sudden passing of Graziano Fiorita, physiotherapist of the Salento club."

As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding when the postponed match will be rescheduled. Both clubs have five matches left to play this season.