Fiorentina President Commisso dies aged 76 | OneFootball

Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso has died aged 76, the club said in a statement on Saturday morning. The Mediacom founder, chairman and chief executive passed away following a long period of medical treatment.

His family, including wife Catherine, children Giuseppe and Marisa, and sisters Italia and Raffaelina, paid tribute. They reflected on a 50-year marriage and a man described as loyal, gentle and determined.

Commisso bought the club from the Della Valle family in 2019 for an estimated $150m to $170m. He also held a majority stake in MLS side New York Cosmos. He pursued a new stadium for the Viola, clashing with bureaucracy, and delivered one of Europe’s biggest and most advanced training centres.

Under his ownership, Fiorentina reached two UEFA Conference League finals and one Coppa Italia final. The Rocco B. Commisso Viola Park bears his name and stands as a symbol of his commitment to youth development. During the Covid emergency, the “Forza e Cuore” campaign made substantial donations to Florence’s hospitals.

Fiorentina are due to play away at Bologna tomorrow. Earlier this week the club confirmed Fabio Paratici will become sporting director from 4 February.

Source: Football Italia