A former Inter Milan star, who was forced to retire with an ‘incurable illness’, has tragically died at the age of 39.
Nicolas Giani came through the Serie A giants’ youth ranks and forged a career in the top division of his home country. However, he retired in 2022 after reportedly being diagnosed with an incurable illness, which has claimed his life.
In a statement, Inter wrote: “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.”
Giani was born in Como and joined the Inter youth ranks, but failed to make a senior appearance for the club. He spent the 2006/07 and 2007/08 seasons on loan at Pro Patria before joining Vicenza on a permanent deal.
The defender went on to play for Perugia, SPAL and Spezia in Italy’s league system, winning the Serie B with SPAL in 2017 as captain.
His former clubs also paid their respects. 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.
Vicenza added on their site: “On behalf of the entire club, our deepest condolences to the entire family.”
While Cremonese, where Giani spent a brief loan spell while on Inter’s books, wrote: “Rest in peace Nicolas.”
SPAL were refounded last year after going bankrupt in 2024 for the first time in two decades.
Giani was also capped at youth level for Italy’s U18 and U19 teams but never became a full international.
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