Italian football is in mourning after the tragic passing of Nicolas Giani, former captain of SPAL, who left us at the age of 39. Giani was a product of Inter Milan’s youth academy, where he started his career before making a name for himself in Italian football. His death today came after a long illness that forced him to suspend his playing career in 2022.
Giani, who would have turned 40 next month, leaves behind a rich legacy in the lower divisions of Italian football, particularly in Serie B and Serie C. He made a mark in Serie B, where he played a total of 181 matches, scoring 5 goals and providing 4 assists. He also featured in over 200 matches in Serie C. Although he never had the chance to play in Serie A, Giani left his mark as the captain of SPAL, the club where he debuted in 2014 and played a key role in their rise to Serie A.
Beyond his performances on the pitch, Nicolas Giani made history as a man of heart and a leader. His career took him to several clubs, including Cremonese, Pro Patria, Vicenza, Perugia, Spezia, Feralpisalò, and Desenzano. However, he is most closely associated with SPAL, especially for his role as captain during the club’s promotion to Serie A, an achievement he will never forget.
On the national team, Giani also found some success, having been called up to represent the Italy U18 and U19 teams, showcasing his potential and talent from an early age.
Today, clubs across Italian football pay tribute to this man, an athlete respected for his work ethic, leadership, and passion for the sport. Despite the adversity he faced, Giani will remain an iconic figure in the lower divisions, embodying the love of the game and determination. Giani’s passing leaves a huge void, but his memory will live on among those who knew and admired him.
