Serie A pays tribute to Simoncelli

Tributes from the Italian world of football have flooded in following the death of MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli on Sunday.

Simoncelli, 24, who was a big AC Milan fan, died after being involved in a serious accident at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

The CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) has confirmed that every Serie A match on Sunday will observe a minute’s silence starting from Milan’s tie against Lecce.

The Rossoneri’s assistant coach Mauro Tassotti was among the first to speak for Milan following the rider’s death.

“I was watching the television [when the crash happened]. Apart from Simo being a Milan fan, we are very sad because a very young sportsman leaves us early,” Tassotti told Sky Sport Italia.

The Italian champions also released a statement via their official website.

“Every Rossoneri fan and AC Milan will come together to show support for Marco’s family. Marco was a great Milan fan and the club would like to send its sincere and felt condolences.”

Inter and president Massimo Moratti released a statement.

It reads: “President Massimo Moratti, alongside Claudio Ranieri and the team, take part in the worldwide pain being felt following the loss of Marco Simoncelli. In rememberance of a young champion, Inter would like to sends its condolences to Simoncelli’s family and friends.”

A note from Roma reads: “AS Roma are close to the family and friends of Marco Simoncelli who died at the Malaysian Grand Prix.”

Napoli’s message of condelence reads: “President Aurelio De Laurentiis, the staff, team and directors have been struck by the tragedy of Marco Simoncelli, an Italian champion who has left us. Napoli would like to stay close to the rider’s family.”