Young Neapolitan footballer playing for Casarano dies at 18

Raffaele Santagata, a Neapolitan defender from Melito who played for Casarano, where he joined from Sangiustese earlier this season, has died at just 18 years old. The youngster had undergone major surgery. Both clubs announced the passing of the left-back, who had been hospitalized in Naples for several weeks following surgery. Lega Dilettanti president Cosimo Sibilia also expressed his condolences and sympathy in a tweet: "It's a terrible day for all of Italian football and for the Lega Dilettanti. Raffaele Santagata, who wore the jersey of our national teams, has left us at just 18 years old. A hug and condolences to his family; you will always play with us."
"The world of amateur and Apulian football is mourning the loss of the young Casarano player who had been hospitalized in critical condition for a few days. He had been wearing the red and blue jersey for a short time, starting last summer when he was picked up by Sangiustese. A left back of Neapolitan origins, he began his career at Arci Scampia", we read on the social pages of Apulian football.