Atalanta’s Andrea Rinaldi passes away aged 19

• The midfielder had fallen ill on Friday and was transported to a medical facility in Varese, where he passed away.

Atalanta’s rising star Andrea Rinaldi has died three days after suffering a brain aneurysm at home. He was 19.

The midfielder, who had been on loan at Legnano in Serie D, had fallen ill on Friday and was transported to a medical facility in Varese, where he passed away.

Legnano confirmed the news on their club website, which described Rinaldi as "a golden boy, exemplary in life and play".

The statement reads: “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."

Rinaldi, who would have turned 20 on June 23, had fallen ill while training at home due to the coronavirus lockdown.

He came through the academy system at Atalanta after joining the club when he was 13. He had previously helped the club's Under-17s win the Scudetto and Supercoppa Italiana at their age level.

“Just as on the pitch, you were always the last to surrender, this time too you fought with all your might not to fly away too soon - but that kind smile of yours will always remain alive in the hearts of those who had the good fortune to meet you,” Atalanta paid tribute to their late midfielder.

He had been a key figure for Legnano this season, making 23 appearances in the league and scoring one goal.