Italian footballer Piermario Morosini dies after collapsing on pitch

LIVORNO midfielder Piermario Morosini has died in hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest during his team’s Serie B match at Pescara this afternoon.

The 25-year-old collapsed in the 31st minute and received treatment on the pitch - reportedly including a heart massage in a bid to resuscitate him - before being rushed to hospital.

The match was abandoned and the players left the field in tears.

Lega Serie B then confirmed on their website: “Tragedy on the field. After suffering a cardiac arrest during the match between Pescara and Livorno, Piermario Morosini has died.

“The 25-year-old player, who came through the youth ranks with Atalanta, arrived at Livorno from Udinese in January and played nine times for the Amaranto.”

All matches in Italy this weekend have been called off in memory of Morosini.

The Lega Serie A said in a statement on their website: “The football world mourns the tragedy that occurred this afternoon in Pescara, where during the game between the hosts and Livorno, the player Piermario Morosini slumped to the ground suffering from a heart attack. Transported to the hospital, the young midfielder was put into an induced coma, but died at around 1700.

“The FIGC has suspended, in memory of Piermario, all games scheduled over the weekend.”