The top scorer of the 1996 Italian soccer championship has passed away
Igor Protti, a former forward for the Italian soccer club Lazio and the top scorer in Serie A in 1996, has died at the age of 58.
The Italian sports community and the Rome-based club have expressed their deepest condolences to the family of the legendary forward, who had been battling a serious form of cancer for a long time.
The outstanding soccer player’s serious health problems began last year when he received a grim diagnosis during a routine medical examination.
In June 2025, doctors diagnosed Protti with colorectal cancer, after which he began a complex course of treatment.
Despite the best efforts of leading medical specialists and the therapeutic procedures he underwent, the athlete’s body was unable to overcome the aggressive disease.
The Rome-based club issued an official statement highlighting the unique personal and professional qualities of its former player.
“The top scorer in Serie A, B, and C, he won the hearts of all fans and scored unforgettable goals. A role model on the field, a role model even during his illness,” the statement from Lazio reads.
Through his dedication to the game and his courage during his long treatment, the Italian forward has earned the immense respect of his teammates and fans.
Igor Protti’s athletic career was marked by standout performances for leading Italian clubs and significant individual achievements.
Protti played for Lazio from 1996 to 1997 and in 1998, and also represented such renowned clubs as Livorno, Bari, and Napoli.
The pinnacle of his career came during the 1995–96 season, when Protti became the top scorer in the elite Serie A, netting 24 goals for the underdog Bari team.
In addition to individual honors, the talented forward won the Italian Super Cup with Lazio in 1998.
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