# Deaths of Italian sports figures

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/deaths-of-italian-sports-figures
> Updated: 2026-08-18T18:11:22.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

In August 2026, the Italian sports community reported the deaths of two notable figures.

Nicola Daleno, a 75-year-old former professional footballer, passed away. He was recognized as a prominent defender and captain, most notably for his tenure with Maceratese between 1979 and 1982, where he helped secure a Serie D championship. His career also included roles with Sambenedettese, Teramo, Mantova, Latina, and Nereto.

In the volleyball community, coach Roberto Luoni died suddenly while on vacation. A respected figure in the Lombardy region and the Varese province, Luoni was a key member of Duo Volley Castellanza, noted for his technical expertise and mentorship of female athletes.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Italian sports community mourns deaths of Nicola Daleno and Roberto Luoni

Italian sports figures Nicola Daleno, a former Maceratese football captain, and Roberto Luoni, a respected volleyball coach in Lombardy, have both passed away.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-sports-community-mourns-deaths-of-nicola-daleno-and-roberto-luoni

### 2026-07-27: Italy mourns death of psychologist Roberto Zonta and football president Giancarlo Franceschini

Italian communities mourn psychologist Roberto Zonta (83) of Bassano and USd Don Bosco Spezia football president Giancarlo Franceschini (72); both funerals set for 29 July.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-mourns-death-of-psychologist-roberto-zonta-and-football-president-giancarlo-franceschini

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Cite as: Deaths of Italian sports figures. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/deaths-of-italian-sports-figures