Italian goalkeeper who battled back from brain tumour dies aged 28

Italian goalkeeper Daniel Leone has sadly passed away aged just 28 - seven years after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

The talented stopper learned of his tumour back in 2014 but managed to return to the field after successful surgery.

However, Leone - whose former clubs include Reggina and Catanzaro - was forced into an early retirement in 2017 after a recurrence of the tumour.

He had since undergone chemotherapy treatment and was providing regular updates to his followers on Instagram, but has tragically lost his brave battle against the illness.

One of his posts from back in May was a picture of him in an embrace with his girlfriend, model Martina De Sarro, with the caption: "Let's hold tight that all this hell will end."

Tributes have already begun pouring in for Leone, with fellow goalkeeper Christian Puggioni penning an emotional message to his late friend.

"I have always appreciated your tenacity and I have been rooting for you, always," Puggioni said.

"Your every victory was my victory. Then the news you never want to have.

"In silence, from afar, always respecting your dignity and fortitude, I kept rooting for you, even stronger.

"After four years of battle, however, today you're gone. The emptiness you leave is immense, and some might think you lost the most important game of your life.

"Poor, silly boy - because yes, Daniel, you won. You won, teaching many, the dignity of facing life's real problems.

"You taught the courage to live through suffering with strength and hope. You taught, that you can leave your name, branded in people's memory, with example and courage."

Napoli defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo also paid his respects, writing: "Rest in peace, my friend."

Leone also represented Pontedera, Reggiana, Torres and Latina during his career.