The Italian volleyball federation says former Olympic silver medallist Vigor Bovolenta (photo) has died at the age of 37 after suffering a heart attack during a second-tier league game.

Attempts to resuscitate Bovolenta failed after he collapsed on court during a Serie B2 match between his Volley Forli team and Lube Macerata on Saturday.

Federation president Carlo Magri said yesterday that "I am shocked and speechless" as "Bovolenta was an exceptional guy" and "his death is a very great loss."

Bovolenta had reportedly complained to his teammates of feeling faint during the match.

Bovolenta was instrumental in helping Italy win silver at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He also played in the team that won the 1995 European championship and finished runnerup in the 2001 edition.