Italy youth basketball player Anna Mellano dies aged 17

The Italian Basketball Federation has announced the death of Anna Mellano, who represented the country's youth national team. She was 17.

RIA Novosti reported that Mellano had been ill with leukaemia for two years. The federation offered condolences to her family and Basket Venaria, the club she played for.

Federation president Giovanni Petrucci conveyed condolences on behalf of Italian basketball. The organisation's statement recalled her determination and the impression she left on teammates and coaches.

In July 2024, Mellano represented Italy's under-15 team at the Friendship Tournament in Varese. The federation described her as a leading player in that squad.