Leonardo Tano, the 25-year-old son of renowned adult film star Rocco Siffredi, has undergone emergency heart surgery due to a severe relapse of recurrent pericarditis. Tano, who is also an athlete and model, shared the news on his social media platforms, detailing his recent health struggles and the impact it has had on his life.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Tano explained that he had decided to take a break from competitive sports back in December 2024. He mentioned that the psychological toll of athletics had become overwhelming, and he felt he had lost his bearings. "Lo sport era diventato sempre più faticoso a livello psicologico, e sentivo di aver perso i miei punti di riferimento," he wrote, which translates to, "Sports had become increasingly tiring psychologically, and I felt I had lost my reference points."
Recently diagnosed with recurrent pericarditis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart, Tano revealed that he had likely been suffering from this illness for years without a proper diagnosis. He stated, "Una condizione che mi accompagna da anni, ma che siamo riusciti a diagnosticare solo di recente," meaning, "A condition that has accompanied me for years, but which we were only able to diagnose recently."
Tragically, his health took a turn for the worse last week. On April 12, 2025, Tano experienced a significant and sudden relapse that placed him at a high risk of cardiac arrest. He was urgently admitted to the Sacco Hospital in Milan, where he underwent life-saving surgery. "La scorsa settimana ho avuto una recidiva importante e improvvisa. Un alto rischio di arresto cardiaco. Sono stato ricoverato d'urgenza in rianimazione per affrontare un intervento," he recounted, translating to, "Last week I had a significant and sudden relapse. A high risk of cardiac arrest. I was urgently hospitalized in intensive care to undergo an operation."
Following the surgery, Tano acknowledged the long road ahead in terms of recovery. He faces not only a lengthy therapy process but also a complete halt to his physical activities, which he described as perhaps the most challenging aspect of his situation. "Ora mi aspetta una lunga terapia e, forse la parte più difficile per me, un periodo di stop completo dall’attività fisica," he said, which means, "Now a long therapy awaits me and, perhaps the most difficult part for me, a complete stop from physical activity."
Tano expressed immense gratitude towards the medical staff at Sacco Hospital for their prompt and effective care. He took a moment to thank his doctors, including the cardiac surgeon, and his family for their unwavering support during this challenging time. "Voglio ringraziare con tutto il cuore l'ospedale Sacco, la dottoressa che mi segue, il cardiochirurgo, e tutte le persone che mi sono state accanto, in particolare la mia famiglia e il mio angioletto che non mi ha lasciato mai solo," he stated, meaning, "I want to thank from the bottom of my heart the Sacco Hospital, the doctor who is taking care of me, the cardiac surgeon, and everyone who has been by my side, especially my family and my little angel who has never left me alone."
Leonardo Tano, who has shown promise as an athlete in the 60-meter hurdles, is now facing an uncertain future in sports. He previously achieved notable success, winning a race in Ancona in January 2023 with a time of 7.87 seconds while representing Hungary, the country of his mother, Rozsa Tassi, also known as Rosa Caracciolo.
As he navigates this difficult period, Tano's story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of health and the importance of support from loved ones. His openness about his struggles may resonate with many who face similar challenges, offering a sense of solidarity and understanding in the often isolating world of health crises.
In the coming months, Tano will focus on his recovery and education, as he is also pursuing a master's degree at the Politecnico di Milano. Balancing his studies with his health recovery will be a new challenge, but one that he seems ready to tackle with the same determination he has shown in athletics.
As Leonardo Tano embarks on this new chapter, he encourages others to prioritize their health and seek help when needed. His journey, marked by resilience and gratitude, highlights the power of community and the human spirit in overcoming adversity.
