The Serie A match between Atalanta and Lecce, originally scheduled for April 25, 2025, at 20:45, has been postponed following the tragic death of Lecce's physiotherapist, Graziano Fiorita. Fiorita, aged 47, was found dead in his hotel room in Coccaglio, Brescia, where the team was preparing for the match. The news has sent shockwaves through the football community, as Fiorita had been a dedicated member of Lecce for over 20 years.
Fiorita's sudden passing occurred on the morning of April 24, 2025, shortly after he reportedly felt unwell. Despite efforts to revive him, emergency services were unable to save him. The U.S. Lecce club expressed their deep sorrow in an official statement, saying, "L’U.S. Lecce, profondamente sconvolta, comunica che è venuto a mancare improvvisamente Graziano Fiorita. Il fisioterapista, da oltre vent’anni nelle fila giallorosse, si trovava con la squadra nel ritiro di Coccaglio. La squadra farà immediato rientro a Lecce, in quanto la gara in programma domani con l'Atalanta verrà rinviata."
In this moment of profound sorrow and disbelief, the club expressed their condolences to Fiorita's wife, Azzurra, and their four children: Carolina, Davide, Nicolò, and Riccardo, as well as his mother, Francesca, and all his family. The emotional impact of Fiorita's death was felt not only by his family but also by his colleagues and the players he worked closely with.
Atalanta BC also joined in the mourning, with a statement that read, "Il presidente Antonio Percassi, il co-chairman Stephen Pagliuca, l'amministratore delegato Luca Percassi e tutta l'Atalanta BC partecipano con grande commozione al dolore dei familiari e di tutta l'U.S. Lecce per la repentina ed improvvisa scomparsa del fisioterapista Graziano Fiorita. L'Atalanta rivolge ai familiari e alla società giallorossa le più sentite e sincere condoglianze." This solidarity highlights the close-knit nature of the football community, especially in times of tragedy.
Fiorita was not just a physiotherapist; he was a fixture at U.S. Lecce, having joined the club at a young age, following in the footsteps of his father, Fernando, who also served as a masseur for the team for ten seasons. His commitment and expertise earned him the respect and affection of players and staff alike, making his loss all the more poignant.
The Lecce team, deeply affected by the incident, immediately returned to their home city to honor Fiorita's memory and to regroup in this difficult time. The match against Atalanta, which was highly anticipated, will now be rescheduled, with potential new dates being discussed. It is expected that the Lega Serie A will announce the rescheduling details soon, possibly moving the match to a midweek fixture around Tuesday or Wednesday at 18:30.
As the news of Fiorita's passing continues to ripple through the league, many fans and fellow professionals have taken to social media to express their condolences and share memories of the beloved physiotherapist. The Lega Serie A also issued a statement, saying, "La Lega Serie A si unisce al cordoglio per la scomparsa di Graziano Fiorita, figura storica dell'U.S. Lecce. Ci stringiamo alla famiglia, al club e a tutta la comunità giallorossa in questo momento di lutto."
The postponement of the match serves as a reminder of the human side of sports, where the bonds formed between players, staff, and their communities extend beyond the pitch. Fiorita's dedication to his role exemplified the spirit of teamwork and care that is vital in professional sports.
As Lecce prepares to move forward, the memory of Graziano Fiorita will undoubtedly remain a guiding light for the team. His legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him, as they strive to honor his contributions to the club and the lives he touched throughout his career.
In conclusion, the postponement of the Atalanta-Lecce match reflects not only the respect for Fiorita's memory but also the strength of the football community as they come together in times of loss. As arrangements are made for the rescheduling of the match, the focus will remain on supporting Fiorita's family and ensuring that his legacy within U.S. Lecce is remembered and celebrated.
