Club15 September 2023

The condolences of Pallanuoto Trieste for the passing of Luca Giustolisi

A great water polo player and a great friend we will never forget. We gather around Luca's mother Ada, his brother Ugo, his sister Rosaria, his son Gillo, and his entire family

It's devastating news that deeply shakes us. Luca Giustolisi, 53 years old, a remarkable water polo player and a cherished friend, has left us. He began his journey playing for Triestina Nuoto under the guidance of his father, Giuseppe Giustolisi, ultimately earning promotion to Serie A2 at a young age. His professional athlete career continued beyond Trieste, in Rome, Naples with Posillipo, and Recco. Then came the national team, the magical Settebello led by Ratko Rudic. Luca won gold at the European Championships in Vienna in 1995 and, most notably, bronze at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, joining the exclusive circle of Triestine athletes who could proudly wear the Olympic rings. His trophy cabinet was rich with club achievements too: a LEN Cup and a Cup Winners' Cup with Roma, two league titles and two Champions League titles with Posillipo and Pro Recco. He also took on the role of a coach, including a stint on the Nervi bench, and was a part of the technical staff of Pallanuoto Trieste between 2004 and 2005.

Luca's career extended beyond sports. In 2012, he earned a psychology degree from the University of Trieste and successfully practiced in this field, even becoming an Honorary Judge for the Juvenile Court of Trieste.

However, water polo was never far from his heart. He returned to his roots by collaborating with Torino 81 and, just a few months ago, became a psychological and relational consultant for An Brescia. Last February, we even crossed paths as adversaries in the quarter-finals of the Italian Cup when he was on the bench for the Lombard team.

A swift illness has taken him away from his loved ones, his work, and his passions, but we will never forget him. Pallanuoto Trieste, President Enrico Samer, and all the members of the club, including his former teammates from Ustn, gather around Luca's mother Ada, his brother Ugo, his sister Rosaria, his son Gillo, and Luca's entire family. From us, an immense embrace to all of you.