Former Inter Milan defender Nicolas Giani has died at the age of 39.
Giani came through Inter's youth system and was on their professional books between 2005 and 2008.
Although he never made a senior first-team appearance, the Como-born centre-back went on to enjoy a successful career across the second and third tiers of Italian football, playing for Vicenza, Spezia and SPAL among others.
It was at SPAL where the Italian achieved a historic double promotion, helping the club to reach Serie A for the first time in 49 years.
After his departure from Spezia in 2019, he began playing for lower league clubs in Lombardy.
His final season as a footballer saw him represent local side Desenzano Calvina, who currently play in the fifth tier of the Italian domestic football pyramid.
Giani was forced to retire from football at the age of 36 in 2022 after it was discovered (as per Gazzetta dello Sport) that he was suffering from an undisclosed 'incurable illness'.
His death was announced late on Tuesday evening, with several of his former clubs subsequently paying tribute.
Inter wrote: "FC Internazionale Milano expresses its deepest condolences following the passing of Nicolas Giani, a defender who was part of the Nerazzurri youth sector from 1998 to 2005.
"The club extends its sincere sympathies to his family."
Spezia, meanwhile, wrote: "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 was living in Desenzano del Garda, a town in the province of Brescia, Lombardy, at the time of his death. He was married and had one daughter.
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Inter Milan, Serie A, Football
Ryan Smart