Udinese vow to care for tragic Morosini’s sister

The parent club of Italian footballer Piermario Morosini, who died during a game on Saturday, will take care of his disabled sister, according to its captain Antonio Di Natale.

Morosini, 25, was on loan at Livorno when he collapsed and died during a clash with Pescara on Saturday. Udinese have confirmed plans to look after the player’s only remaining family member, his severely disabled sister.

Morosini’s sister relied on him for financial support following the death of their parents, and Di Natale has assured that Udinese will now look after her.

“We know the situation of his sister and we as a team, the club, and Udinese for Life have decided to help her because she is in real need,” Di Natale said.

“It is essential to stay by the side of Piermario’s sister for her entire life. She needs us and we want to help, both for her and for Mario.

“When I saw the scene on the TV it was immediately clear it was serious. It was a very bad moment. He was an exceptional lad, so full of life. Despite all the problems he had, he was always at the disposal of the team and every day he gave us all strength.”

The Italian Football Association (FIGC) opted to cancel all Serie A fixtures in the wake of Morosini’s death.

Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli expressed shock at the death of his former team-mate and said the terrible event has taught him to respect life.

“He was a great lad. It’s a terrible event and makes you reflect on your own existence. It teaches you to appreciate life and to live it with care and dignity,” Balotelli was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Morosini collapsed on the pitch during Livorno’s Serie B game against Pescara on Saturday, and died on his way to the hospital. He was aged 25.

City attacker Balotelli, who featured alongside the former Udinese midfielder in 2008 and 2009, said: “I was upset and speechless when I heard.”