Anxious hours: Italian downhill skier fights for his life

On Saturday, Matteo Franzoso's serious training crash shocked the skiing world. His family has now arrived in South America to support the 25-year-old during these anxious hours.

September 15, 2025

From: fop

On Saturday, the news spread like wildfire through the winter sports scene: Matteo Franzoso had suffered a serious fall during training in La Parva, Chile. He reportedly broke through a safety net and crashed into a wooden windbreak. He was taken to Santiago Hospital with severe head trauma and placed in an artificial coma. (SportNews berichtete).

Franzoso has now spent his second night in the hospital in the Chilean capital, but there are no updates on his health yet. A statement is expected in the next few hours from the Italian Winter Sports Federation, whose medical team is in close contact with the medical team in Chile.

The family at the bedside

Meanwhile, Franzoso's family has set off for South America. His brother Michele, himself a ski instructor in Sestriere, landed in Santiago on Sunday, and his parents will arrive this Monday. They want to be there for him at this delicate moment. Franzoso turns 26 on Tuesday.

Matteo Franzoso is one of the young hopefuls in the Italian speed team. © Pentaphoto

The Azzurro has competed in 17 World Cup races so far, finishing in the top 30 twice, most recently finishing 30th in the Super-G at Kvitfjell in March 2025. Born in Genoa, who has lived in Rollieres (Piedmont) for some time, he is part of the World Cup Speed Team 2, which also includes young talent from South Tyrol, Max Perathoner.

Schieder and Co. suspend training

At La Parva, Franzoso has been training with Dominik Paris and Florian Schieder, among others, over the past few days. They have suspended their training sessions for the time being following Franzoso's horrific crash on Sunday. What happens next depends on the injured Azzurro's health. One thing is clear: sport is taking a back seat during these anxious times.