Atalanta midfielder Andrea Rinaldi dies aged 19

Andrea Rinaldi dies three days after suffering a brain aneurysm at home

Atalanta and Legnano youngster Andrea Rinaldi has died at the age of 19, the club confirmed on Monday.

It is reported that the midfielder, who was on loan at Legnano in Serie D, suffered a brain aneurysm on Friday while training at home during the coronavirus lockdown.

According to Italian media, Rinaldi, who was admitted to the intensive care unit of a hospital in Varese, died this morning, three days after suffering a brain aneurysm.

Terming the player a "warrior", the club said in a statement: "AC Legnano, the city and the entire football universe, at all levels, today live one of their most upsetting days. Andrea Rinaldi, our warrior, has left us. 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 ." 

Legnano chairman Giovanni Munafo called Rinaldi an 'extraordinary boy' as he expressed condolences to the player's family.

"When Andrea came to training, he came first to greet me. This is a memory I will carry in my heart. An extraordinary boy, an example for everyone. On behalf of the club, I express my deepest condolences to the family. We are sure that Andrea, from up there, will be the usual warrior like always, who fought in the middle of the pitch to bring the Legnano fans joy," Munafo said. (ANI)

Rinaldi was raised in the Atalanta academy, where he played since he was 13 years old and helped the Under-17 side pick up the Scudetto and the Supercoppa Italiana.