Former Inter Milan footballer d!es @ 39

Former Inter Milan defender Nicolas Giani has d!ed at the age of 39

The centre-back passed away on Tuesday after a long illness, which had forced him to suspend his playing career in 2022.

Giani was born in the city of Como and began his career in the Inter Milan youth system in the 2000s. However, he failed to make a senior appearance for the Italian giants and left the club in 2008.

After leaving the San Siro, he went on to play for Cremonese, Pro Patria, Vicenza, Perugia, SPAL, Spezia, Feralpisalo and Desenzano. Giani’s most recent club was SPAL.

During his time with SPAL, the centre-back led the club to Serie A but never made an appearance in the Italian top-flight. He retired in 2022, after being diagnosed with an incurable illness, which eventually claimed his life.

Paying tribute, Inter Milan said in a statement: “FC Internazionale Milano expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Nicolas Giani, a defender who was part of the Nerazzurri youth sector from 1998 to 2005.

“The club extends its sincerest sympathies to his family at this time.” While Cremonese simply said: “Rest in peace, Nicolas.”

Spezia released a statement reading: “Spezia Calcio expresses its condolences for the untimely passing of Nicolas Giani. The Giani family has the thoughts and strong embrace of the entire club.”

Giani would have turned 40 next month and, although he was capped for Italy at Under-18 and Under-19 level, he never received a senior cap. He leaves behind a wife, Rluca, and a daughter, Bianca.