Napoli – While waiting for the autopsy that will clarify the causes of death of Diego De Vivo, a young footballer of only 14 years old, there is pain and dismay not only in the world of youth football in Naples.
Article Key Points
The boy was struck by a fatal illness late yesterday afternoon, shortly before the start of training at the “Cantera Napoli” facility.
Diego collapsed to the ground as he was preparing to enter the field with his teammates. Despite timely attempts to resuscitate him, his condition immediately appeared critical and there was nothing that could be done
. The Carabinieri intervened on the spot and began investigations to clarify the causes of death. The young man's body is now available to the Judicial Authority for an autopsy.
The President: “We did everything to save him”
“We did everything we could to save him,” said Gianluca Festa, president of Cantera Napoli, in an emotional message on social media. “I have no strength, no words, nothing left. After my dad’s death, this tragedy killed me.
Diego, you grew up with us, I always told you that you were the classic number 9 with great plays… How can you die like this at 14? We did everything, but the worst thing is to be helpless in the face of this tragedy”.
The president then remembered Diego as an example of professionalism, education and respect, urging everyone to rally around the family in this moment of grief.
Numerous messages of condolence and closeness to the family, including that of the Regional Committee of the National Amateur League, which ordered a minute of silence on all the fields of Campania in memory of Diego.
The Amateur League: minute of silence on all pitches
“President Carmine Zigarelli, the Board of Directors and the entire Committee are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Diego DeVivo, born in 2011, a promising player of Campanian football – we read in a note from the Campania National Amateur League – heartfelt condolences to the De Vivo family and to the Cantera Napoli club in this moment of immense pain.
President Zigarelli has ordered a minute of silence on all the fields of Campania in memory of Diego”. The causes of the 14-year-old's death will be clarified by the tests that will be carried out on the body made available to the judicial authorities for the autopsy.
Article published on March 27, 2025 - 19pm
It is truly sad that a young man like Diego died at such a young age. It is unclear how this could happen, especially in a sporting context where the boys are thought to be healthy. Let's hope the autopsy can provide answers.