Fiorentina’s general director Joe Barone has died at the age of 57.
The club said in a statement: “It is with deep sorrow and immense sadness that Fiorentina confirms the loss of one of its figureheads, a person who has marked the recent history of the club and who will never be forgotten. General director Giuseppe Barone passed away today at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan after suddenly falling ill on Sunday.
“Rocco Commisso and his family, Daniele Prade, Nicolas Burdisso, Alessandro Ferrari, Vincenzo Italiano, Cristiano Biraghi and everyone associated with Fiorentina are utterly devastated by the terrible loss of a man who showed great professionalism and gave his heart and soul for these colours.
“He was a treasured friend who always stayed strong in the happiest and, above all, the most difficult moments. The entire Viola world sends its heartfelt condolences to Giuseppe’s wife Camilla, his children and the entire Barone family during this time of immense sorrow.”
Barone was omitted to hospital on Sunday after being taken ill in the afternoon, resulting in Fiorentina’s Serie A match against Atalanta being postponed. The rescheduling of the fixture is yet to be confirmed.
He fell ill at the team hotel in the hours leading up to the fixture. Barone was then transported to a local hospital in Milan before the league officially confirmed the cancellation.
Barone played a crucial role in the club’s leadership, having served alongside Fiorentina president Commisso since the Italian-born American billionaire acquired the club in 2019.
Fiorentina currently holds the eighth spot in the Serie A table. They are next in action against Milan on March 30.
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