In a match overshadowed by tragedy, Atalanta and Lecce are set to face off on the evening of April 27, 2025, at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo. This encounter, part of the Serie A calendar, comes just days after the shocking death of Lecce's beloved physiotherapist, Graziano Fiorita, who passed away on April 24, 2025, while the team was in retreat. Despite calls for postponement from various quarters, including Italy's Minister of Sport Andrea Abodi, the Lega Serie A has insisted that the match will proceed as scheduled.
Fiorita, a dedicated professional who had been with Lecce for over two decades, left behind a grieving family, including his wife and four children. His untimely passing has left the entire Lecce community in mourning, and many within the club feel that playing the match so soon is a profound disrespect to his memory. "An error, there’s no respect for the true values of life," stated Fiorita's sisters, expressing their discontent with the league's decision.
The match was originally slated for Friday, April 25, but was postponed to Sunday evening following the tragic news. However, the Lega Serie A has remained firm in its decision not to postpone the game any further, citing the need to maintain competitive integrity within the league. This decision has not been well received by Lecce, who had hoped to delay the match until after Fiorita's funeral, which is scheduled for April 28, 2025.
As the Lecce team departed for Bergamo on the morning of the match, they did so under difficult circumstances. Only sporting director Stefano Trinchera and team manager Claudio Vino accompanied the players, with no other club officials making the trip. The team opted to return to Lecce immediately after the game, foregoing an overnight stay in a hotel, a decision likely influenced by the somber atmosphere surrounding the match.
In preparation for the game, Lecce held only one training session since Fiorita's death, a light finishing session on Saturday, April 26. The players are expected to take the field with heavy hearts, and many fans have chosen to stay away from the stadium in protest of the league's decision. Atalanta supporters, too, have vowed to show their respect by refraining from singing or displaying banners during the match.
On the tactical front, Atalanta's coach Gian Piero Gasperini is likely to deploy a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Marco Carnesecchi in goal and a defensive line comprising Kossounou, Hien, and Djimsiti. Meanwhile, Lecce, missing key players like Krstovic and Berisha due to suspensions, is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Wladimiro Falcone in goal and a forward line led by Ante Rebic.
The match is set to kick off at 20:45 local time, and referee Federico La Penna will officiate the encounter, supported by his assistants Marcello Rossi and Dario Cecconi. The atmosphere is expected to be muted, with both sets of fans understanding the gravity of the situation.
As the clock ticks down to kick-off, the players will step onto the pitch carrying not just their own hopes and dreams, but also the weight of a community’s grief. This is not just another game; it is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the bonds that tie a team together. The match will be played, but it will be a somber affair, like dancing in the rain with no music and heavy hearts.
For Lecce, the stakes are high as they battle to avoid relegation, while Atalanta aims to secure their place in the Champions League. Yet, on this night, the outcome of the match feels secondary to the shared sorrow that envelops both teams. The true spirit of sportsmanship will be on display, as players and fans alike come together to honor the memory of Graziano Fiorita.
In the end, while the match will go on, it will serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The players will play for their club, for their fans, and most importantly, for a man who dedicated his life to the game they love.
