In Memoriam: Gianluca Mattioli

On November 17, 2017, 6 years ago, our colleague, our friend, one of us, Gianluca Mattioli passed away in Murcia (Spain), where he had travelled to officiate one BCL game. Gianluca left us so soon, but his memory, his friendship, his smile and his good heart will stay with us forever.

In the world of basketball, some figures transcend the court, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and those who had the privilege of knowing them. Gianluca Mattioli was undeniably one of those remarkable individuals.

Gianluca began his journey as a referee in 1985, quickly ascending the ranks to officiate in Serie A by 1993, becoming the youngest to achieve this milestone at the age of 25. His prowess as a referee was not confined to the national stage; in 2000, he earned international recognition and went on to officiate in prestigious tournaments such as the Euroleague, Eurocup, and various FIBA club events, including the Basketball Champions League. He was involved in the development and education of the FIBA 3X3 referees.

He officiated 25 seasons in Serie A with 685 games, 84 playoff games, and 13 championship finals, Gianluca Mattioli was more than just a referee—he was a symbol of dedication and excellence.

Beyond the statistics, those who knew Gianluca remember him for his infectious smile and genuine kindness. His empathy extended far beyond the basketball court, as exemplified by "the time I spent with him during the Games of the Small States of Europe. During this tournament, I witness how he was able to share his wisdom with young referees, His generosity of spirit left an enduring impact on those fortunate enough to learn from him", Manuel Mazzoni says. "One of the best memories I had of Gianluca is the 2014 game 1 of the Italian Championship. I was nominated with him and he provided unwavering support to me, offering words of encouragement and his trademark smile. It was a testament to his character, reflecting not only his professional expertise but also his ability to uplift those around him."

Gianluca's contributions were not confined to the court; he played an active role in the referee community, serving as the vice president of the Italian Association of Basketball Referees (AIAP) for many years. His dedication to the growth and development of referees further solidified his status as a beloved figure in the basketball community.

Even after his passing, Gianluca's memory lives on, touching the lives of those who had the privilege of working alongside him. After his passing I'm visiting his grave, and bringing flowers as a gesture of respect, every time I have a game in his town Pesaro.
Manuel Mazzoni

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