Former Lecce President Giovanni Semeraro has died at the age of 82, having run the club from 1994 to 2011.
The patron had been in hospital since suffering from cardiac problems on July 7.
Semeraro was a key figure in the history of Lecce Calcio, as he took over the club in 1994, within two years earning their promotion to Serie A.
He remained President until June 2010, passing on the baton to his son Pierandrea, and his family sold the club in July 2011.
Former Lecce President Giovanni Semeraro has died at the age of 82, having run the club from 1994 to 2011.
The patron had been in hospital since suffering from cardiac problems on July 7.
Semeraro was a key figure in the history of Lecce Calcio, as he took over the club in 1994, within two years earning their promotion to Serie A.
He remained President until June 2010, passing on the baton to his son Pierandrea, and his family sold the club in July 2011.
During his 18 years in charge, Semeraro oversaw 10 Serie A campaigns, seven in Serie B and one in Serie C.
Lecce are back in the top flight for the 2019-20 season following their promotion in second place, behind Brescia.