Italian football mourns Fiorentina general director Giuseppe 'Joe' Barone

Italian football is mourning the death of Fiorentina general director Giuseppe 'Joe' Barone, who died on Tuesday at Milan's San Raffaele Hospital following a sudden illness. He was 57.

Barone was a respected leader in the industry and a valued partner who contributed significantly to Italian football's success. His vision, dedication and passion for the game left an indelible mark over a short period, and his legacy will be testament to these values.

"[President] Rocco Commisso and his family, [directors] Daniele Pradè, Nicolás Burdisso, Alessandro Ferrari, [coach] Vincenzo Italiano, [captain] 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," reads the club statement.

"I lose a friend," said Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina. "And Italian football loses a competent and passionate manager, a frank and honest man who has also, and above all, been appreciated for his moral values."

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin also recognised Barone’s contribution. "Joe was not only a brilliant and capable manager but a passionate sportsman who dedicated his soul and passion to the Viola from the moment [Commisso] took over the club, instantly taking care of every area of the club's activity," said the UEFA President.

"His meticulous direction ensured the punctual execution and delivery of Viola Park, which places Fiorentina amongst the clubs with the best technical infrastructures."

Born in Sicily, Barone moved to Brooklyn aged eight. After completing his studies in the United States, he met Rocco Commisso and began working in the latter's company, Mediacom. In 2017 he became vice-president of the New York Cosmos following their acquisition by Commisso.

Two years later Barone returned to Italy, taking on the role of Fiorentina general director after the Italian club were also acquired by Commisso. He was in charge of the Viola Park project, the team's wonderful new base. Under his tenure, Fiorentina returned to European football after a five-year absence, reaching last season's UEFA Europa Conference League final, as well as the Coppa Italia final.

"He personally supervised [Viola Park] down to the smallest details, a cutting-edge sports centre which represents a source of pride for Fiorentina and for all of our football," added Gravina. "I will never forget his sincere emotion when we gave him an Italy shirt, the country he loved deeply."