Soccer

Fiorentina GM Joe Barone hospitalized after collapsing before game

Long-time Brooklynite and current Fiorentina general manager Joe Barone fell ill Sunday and was rushed to the hospital.

Barone reportedly had coronary surgery, according to SkySport.

“Fiorentina can confirm that Joe Barone is currently hospitalized at the cardiac intensive care unit at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan directed by Professor Alberto Zangrillo,” the club said in a statement.

“His condition remains critical but stable. Barone is currently receiving the most advanced treatment in cardiac function and support. Another update will be published tomorrow.”

Fiorentina general manager Joe Barone fell ill Sunday.
Fiorentina general manager Joe Barone fell ill Sunday. AFP via Getty Images

Several Fiorentina players were there when Barone collapsed before Fiorentina’s Serie A match against Atalanta.

The game was postponed as he was flown by helicopter to the intensive care unit at Milan’s San Raffaele hospital, with his family flying to Italy per reports.

The 58-year-old Barone – a lifelong member of the Brooklyn Italians – had been senior vice president of the New York Cosmos and chairman of the National Premier Soccer League.

He joined Fiorentina when Cosmos owner Rocco Commisso bought the Serie A club.

Barone’s four children were set to arrive on Monday, according to the AP.