Livorno fans make shrine after Morosini dies on pitch

PIERMARIO MOROSINI: The midfielder died after collapsing during Livorno’s match against Pescara (AFP)

Thousands of Livorno supporters left flags, scarves and flowers outside their Armando Picchi stadium yesterday in memory of their 25-year-old midfielder Piermario Morosini, who died on Saturday after collapsing in the Serie B match at Pescara.

In scenes reminiscent of Bolton's Fabrice Muamba collapsing on the pitch at White Hart Lane four weeks ago, attempts were made to revive Morosini before he was taken to hospital. But he was pronounced dead on arrival after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest.

Morosini, a former Italy Under-21 player, was on loan from Udinese. His life had been marked by pain – both his parents diedbefore he turned 18, and recently his younger brother committed suicide.

Serse Cosmi, his former coach at Udinese, said: "The only positive thing I can think of is that he might be happy that destiny took him to be reunited with his family."

All Serie A matches at the weekend were postponed as a tribute.