Fiorentina said Tuesday that their General Manager Joe Barone has died after suffering a heart attack on Sunday before the Florence team's scheduled Serie A match against Atalanta in Bergamo.
Barone, who would have turned 58 on Wednesday, had been taken to the cardiac intensive care unit of Milan's San Raffaele hospital. He had been on life support since the cardiac arrest.
"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," Fiorentina said.
"Rocco Commisso and his family, Daniele Pradè, 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 colors.
"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".
Sunday's match was postponed.
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