Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso dies aged 76

ACF Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso has died at the age of 76 following a prolonged period of medical treatment, the Serie A club announced in the early hours of Saturday, Sport360NG reports.

In a statement published on the club’s website, Fiorentina described Commisso’s death as a profound loss to his family, the club and the wider football community.

“After a prolonged period of medical treatment, our beloved President has left us, and today we all mourn his passing,” the statement read. “For his family, he was an example and a guiding light, a loyal and faithful man who, alongside his wife Catherine, reached the milestone of 50 years of marriage, and who was a strict yet loving father to his children.”

The club paid tribute to Commisso as a devoted family man and a figure defined by both warmth and determination. Married to Catherine for five decades, he was described as a constant source of guidance to those around him.

The American-Italian businessman completed his takeover of Fiorentina seven years ago and quickly became closely associated with the club, its supporters and the city of Florence. During his tenure, the Viola reached two UEFA Conference League finals and one Coppa Italia final.

Football was described as one of Commisso’s greatest passions, with Fiorentina becoming central to his life following his acquisition of the club. Known for his close relationship with supporters and his hands-on approach, he was fond of telling everyone simply to “call me Rocco.”

“His love for Fiorentina was the greatest gift he gave himself,” the statement said. “Tireless, he worked until his final days, dedicating himself to his companies, Mediacom and Fiorentina, and to their future.” Commisso was the founder and chief executive of Mediacom, which he continued to oversee alongside his football commitments.

The club also highlighted Commisso’s strong bond with Florence and its residents, noting his support for the city during the Covid-19 pandemic through the “Forza e Cuore” campaign, which provided significant donations to local hospitals.

Fiorentina said the Rocco B. Commisso Viola Park training complex would remain a lasting symbol of his legacy and commitment to youth development, with academy players continuing to progress to the club’s men’s and women’s first teams.

The Commisso family expressed gratitude for the support shown during his final days, with the club adding that his memory would endure among all those who knew and worked with him.

Commisso is survived by his wife Catherine, his children Giuseppe and Marisa, and his sisters Italia and Raffaelina.