The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has cancelled all league fixtures in the country scheduled for this weekend following the death of former Italy Under-21 midfielder Piermario Morosini.

Morosini, who had been loaned to AS Livorno Calcio from Udinese Calcio, collapsed on the pitch during the first half of Livorno's Serie B encounter with Pescara Calcio on Saturday. Though a defibrillator was used and the player taken by ambulance to Pescara's Santo Spirito hospital, efforts to revive the 25-year-old proved unsuccessful.

"This is one of the saddest days since I have been in football," said Udinese owner Giampaolo Pozzo. "He had been playing with us for several years. He was very serious, very professional and also a very good player."

Morosini came through the youth academy of his home-town club, Atalanta BC, before being signed by Udinese in 2005. He was subsequently sent out on loan to Bologna FC, Vicenza Calcio, Reggina Calcio and Calcio Padova and also helped Italy reach the semi-finals of the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Sweden.

Antonello Valentini, general director of the FIGC, has confirmed that all football scheduled for this weekend will be rearranged at a later date.