Monday 11 May 2020 19:18, UK
Atalanta midfielder Andrea Rinaldi has died aged 19 after suffering an aneurysm.
Rinaldi was part of the youth set-up with Atalanta but had been spending this season on loan with Serie D side Legnano, who confirmed the cause of death.
"President Antonio Percassi and the whole Atalanta family, deeply moved, send their most heartfelt sympathy to Andrea Rinaldi's family members and AC Legnano for his passing," a statement on Atalanta's website read.
"Andrea wore the Nerazzurri shirt since he was 13 years old until the Primavera, contributing to the U17 in 2016 to win the Scudetto and the Supercoppa, to then continue his career at Imolese, Mezzolara and this season at Legnano.
"Always available and positive, he knew how to make himself well-liked by everyone.
"Just as on the pitch you were always the last to surrender, this time too you fought with all your might not to fly away too soon.
"But that kind smile of yours will always remain alive in the heart of those who have had the good fortune to meet you. Goodbye Andrea."
Legnano said Rinaldi, who had made 23 appearances since joining the club on loan in August, was taken ill on Friday and Italian media said he died in hospital on Monday.
"Andrea Rinaldi, our warrior, has left us," said Legnano's statement. "An aneurysm snatched him in the prime of life, with a life ahead of him and with a career that promised bright goals. A sudden and shocking tragedy, impossible even to imagine."
Rinaldi joined Atalanta's youth academy at the age of 13 and made 35 appearances for the U17 team, although he had yet to make his senior team debut. He also played for third tier Imolese and fourth tier Mezzolara on loan.
