Tragedy for former Roma and Lecce player Julio Sergio: his son Enzo died at 15 from a brain tumor.

A tragedy that has touched people far beyond the world of football has struck former Brazil goalkeeper Julio Sergio , who played for Roma and Lecce in Italy. His son Enzo died at the age of 15, years after a dramatic brain tumor diagnosis. The former footballer himself announced the news on his social media channels.

The diagnosis came in 2020, when Enzo Bertagonoli was just ten years old. He was born in Rome and had become a spokesperson in Brazil against cancer. He had been in a medically induced coma for some time, his condition considered irreversible. Only a few weeks ago, an image of the goalkeeper, who had shaved his head in solidarity with his son, who was undergoing chemotherapy, had gone viral online.

"I just visited Enzo... the situation is irreversible. He's in an induced coma , sedated as needed, with oxygen. But the most important thing right now: he's at peace, surrounded by his parents, his family, and us: he's in no pain," was the last post shared before the announcement of the teenager's death.

Julio Sergio Bertagnoli is 46 years old, of Italian descent, from Ripa Teatina in the province of Chieti. He made his debut with Botafogo and also attempted a coaching career. He played for Roma between 2006 and 2011 and in the 2012/2013 season. He won two Brazilian championships with Santos , two Italian Cups, and an Italian Super Cup with Roma.

"Julio, we are with you in this moment of unimaginable pain. The entire AS Roma community is with your family, and all the Romanisti embrace you." Condolences also came from former striker and captain Francesco Totti , who wrote on Instagram: "Ciao Enzo, RIP."

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