Joe Barone, the Italian-American general director of ACF Fiorentina, the soccer team owned by Mediacom Communications chairman Rocco B. Commisso, said on Tuesday that he was feeling well before Sunday's game against Atalanta in Italy's Serie A. He died in Milan, Italy. His cause of death was reported to be cardiac arrest.
“The Commisso family and everyone associated with Fiorentina are completely devastated by the loss of a man who displayed great professionalism and gave his heart and soul to restoring the reputation of this historic Italian club.” said Thomas Larsen, senior vice president of government and public affairs. Mediacom said in a company announcement on Tuesday. “He was a dear friend who always remained strong in the happiest of times and, most of all, in the most difficult moments. Joe's wife Camilla joins me in this time of immense sadness. , the children, and the entire Barone family.''
Barone was hired by the New York Cosmos and promoted to general manager after Commisso purchased the team in 2017. When Commisso bought Fiorentina in 2019, Barone moved to Italy to take a leadership role with the team, Larsen said. “Joe had a background in banking, but he had a deep passion for community soccer,” Larsen said. “He helped organize the Brooklyn Italians Soccer Club for many years and served as president of the NPSL, a national league comprised of community-based amateur and semi-professional soccer teams.” Barone was remembered in a news post. According to ESPN, there have been many tributes in Italy following Barone's death, including one from FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Instagram, saying, “You… You were proud of your beautiful sports center, Viola Park. You were always moved when we talked about Fiorentina. You have improved the world of Fiorentina.” ”
Larsen said Barone was born in Sicily and spoke fluent Italian. “His football knowledge and bilingual skills have proven to be an invaluable asset as Rocco works to rebuild the club. “We also worked very hard to build it. We also worked closely together.”Earlier this year, they began discussions with city leaders about plans to renovate the team's stadium. ”
Fiorentina's match in Bergamo, Italy, on Sunday has been postponed. The team, known to fans as La Viola, is in eighth place in Italy's top flight.
