Born in Izola, now part of Slovenia, Giovanni Delise formed part of the Italian coxed fours at the Amsterdam Olympics. On the narrow Sloten canal, the Italians won an easy victory over Switzerland in the final. They confirmed their dominance by winning the European title five times over the next six years. Delise was a member of these winning crews in 1929 and 1931. Delise was awarded the Gold Medal of the Italian Olympic Committee for his athletic achievements. He died in hospital in Trieste following a fall from his bicycle.