Torino Coach Paolo Vanoli Collapses Briefly During Match Against Venezia

Shocking moment on the touchline as Vanoli goes down

Torino head coach Paolo Vanoli caused concern on May 2 when he briefly collapsed during a tense Serie A match against Venezia. The incident happened just after a penalty was awarded to Torino, sparking immediate reactions from players and staff alike.

The match ended 1–1, but the health scare overshadowed the result.

Club statement: "Vanoli did not lose consciousness"

Following the incident, Torino officials quickly issued a reassuring statement, clarifying that Vanoli did not lose consciousness and was feeling better shortly after the collapse. Assistant coach Lino Godinho later explained that the cause was likely a sudden drop in blood pressure after Vanoli had been sitting for an extended period before standing up quickly.

“It was nothing serious, just a brief moment of discomfort,” said Godinho. “The coach was immediately assessed and is now feeling fine.”

Medical checks confirm stable condition

Club president Urbano Cairo confirmed that Vanoli has undergone all necessary medical evaluations and that his condition is not a cause for concern. He is expected to be present at Torino’s traditional Superga memorial event on May 4.

The Italian coach has been praised for Torino’s solid performances this season. His unexpected health scare, however, has prompted fans and pundits to urge the club to monitor his condition closely moving forward.

What's next for Vanoli and Torino?

Despite the incident, Vanoli is likely to return to the bench in Torino’s next Serie A fixture. The team currently sits mid-table, fighting for a respectable finish in the 2024/25 campaign.

As football continues to demand intense physical and emotional commitment from coaches as well as players, moments like this are a stark reminder of the human side of the game.

Published by Patrick Jane
03.05.2025