Tottenham Hotspur have announced that their fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone has passed away from fulminant leukaemia at the age of 61.
The Italian was a much-valued member of Antonio Conte’s staff having joined in November 2021 and previously worked with the manager during his time as a player at Juventus.
Tottenham said in a statement: “We are devastated to announce that fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone has passed away.
“The 61-year-old joined the Club in November 2021 as part of Antonio Conte’s backroom staff, having previously held roles at Juventus, Catania, JS Suning, GZ Evergrande and AC Ajaccio.
‘As loveable off the pitch as he was demanding on it, Gian Piero quickly became a hugely popular figure with players and staff.
‘He will be greatly missed by everyone at the Club and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this impossibly sad time.’
Conte trusted his fellow Italian with enforcing the strict fitness regime at the club, with Ventrone responsible for the drill that saw several Spurs players suffering during an intense session in Seoul during pre-season.
