The FIGC would like to express its deepest condolences for the sad passing of sports journalist Franco Zuccalà at the age of 83. Born in Catania in 1940, in his career - working for several newspapers such as La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tuttosport, Il Giornale, Rai and Italpress, whom he collaborated with from 2000 as an editor - Zuccalà followed the biggest footballing events and the Italian national team. In 2013, on the eve of Italy's friendly with Germany, Zuccalà received an Azzurri shirt from captain and head coach at the time, Gianluigi Buffon and Cesare Prandelli, respectively, with the number 50 to honour half a century of him following the team.

“Zuccalà's death saddens me deeply; it is a painful loss for the world of journalism and sports journalism," said FIGC President Gabriele Gabriele Gravina. "He was a meticulous and classy professional, distinguished by his preparation and widespread appeal. He was a massive Azzurri fan and never missed a game home or away, and never wrote anything banal."