Veteran setter Manuel Coscione faces severe online backlash and death threats following a dramatic Italian League defeat.
Experienced volleyball setter Manuel Coscione, aged 46, recently faced horrifying online abuse after his team, Cuneo, suffered a heartbreaking defeat against Perugia during the opening of the 2026/2027 Italian Championship.
The dramatic match ended with a narrow 25 to 23 score in the final set, after Cuneo had held multiple match points in the tie-break before the favorites mounted a crucial comeback.
During one of the decisive moments to close out the game, Coscione committed a crucial service error, which subsequently triggered a wave of cyberbullying, according to information published by WEBVOLEI.
Severe Cyberbullying and Death Threats
Following the unfortunate error during the match point in the fifth set, a wave of hostile messages flooded the athlete's social media accounts, targeting both him and his family directly.
Among the abusive interactions, an anonymous profile lacking any identifying name or picture sent explicit death threats directed at the veteran player and his loved ones.
Legal Actions Taken by the Athlete
In response to the alarming harassment, Manuel Coscione confirmed that the unsettling situation is already under official investigation by the local police authorities.
The player emphasized that making mistakes on the court is part of competitive sports, but crossing the line into personal attacks and family threats is completely unacceptable.
The Cowardice of Anonymous Social Media Trolls
Coscione pointed out that the perpetrator lacked the courage to use a real identity, opting instead to create a fake profile to comment on an old post from two years ago.
He expressed deep frustration over how people feel entitled to judge, threaten, defame, and bully others online, behaviors they would never dare display in person.
Sport Versus Respect and Basic Education
Reflecting on the troubling incident, the Italian setter stressed that athletic competition is entirely separate from basic human decency, education, and respect.
Despite the painful defeat and the subsequent online toxicity, Coscione remains firm in his decision to hold the responsible parties accountable through proper legal channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Manuel Coscione?
Manuel Coscione is an experienced 46-year-old volleyball setter who plays for Cuneo in the Italian Championship.
Why did Manuel Coscione receive death threats?
He received threats after missing a crucial serve during a match point in the tie-break against Perugia.
What action did Coscione take against the threats?
He initiated formal legal procedures with the competent police authorities to investigate the anonymous accounts.
