The football world suffered a deeply saddening loss yesterday. 19-year-old Daniel Guerini, a Lazio Primavera player who had featured for Italy’s U15 and U16 sides, passed away following a terrible car accident in Rome. Daniel was travelling with two of his friends, who were rushed to hospital after the tragic incident.

Born in Rome on 21 March 2002, he’d just turned 19 years old but had already been on the books of various professional clubs, including Spal, Fiorentina, Torino and Lazio, whose U19 setup he was involved in.

Condolences immediately came in from the football world, with messages being sent and photos appearing on social media to remember the young star, including those posted by his distraught teammates.

The Italian Football Federation was devastated to hear the news, as reflected by President Gabriele Gravina’s words: “This tragedy has shocked us all, Daniel was part of our family. I join others in sending my deepest condolences to his family and club, Lazio.” National Youth Team Coordinator Maurizio Viscidi also commented on the tragic loss: “I remember Daniel very well, right from when he was first called up to the Under-15 National Team. We all agreed that he had great technique and was very elegant. He was always polite, perceptive and happy to wear the Azzurri shirt. The pain we’re feeling is immense.”