epa10219959 Fiorentina's board member Joe Barone gestures during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Atalanta BC and ACF Fiorentina in Bergamo, Italy, 02 October 2022. EPA-EFE/PAOLO MAGNI
epa10219959 Fiorentina's board member Joe Barone gestures during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Atalanta BC and ACF Fiorentina in Bergamo, Italy, 02 October 2022. EPA-EFE/PAOLO MAGNI

Milan coach Stefano Pioli, Inter director Beppe Marotta and FIGC President Gabriele Gravina are among those sending messages of support to Fiorentina director Joe Barone who is in intensive care at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan.

Barone was rushed to Hospital on Sunday afternoon, before a Serie A game between Atalanta and Fiorentina, which was eventually called off.

According to ANSA, the Fiorentina director suffered a heart attack and is now in critical condition in intensive care at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan.

Several Serie A and Italian football personalities have shown their support for Barone. After a 3-1 win over Hellas Verona, Milan boss Stefano Pioli said, “I want to start by sending all the best to Joe Barone, hoping that he can get through this as quickly as possible.”

Inter director Beppe Marotta added before a Serie A game with Napoli: “We want to express our affection to Joe Barone, his family and Fiorentina.”

FIGC President Gravina also showed support for the 58-year-old.

“I am shocked to hear about Barone’s sudden illness and hope he will overcome this difficult moment,” Gravina, as quoted by Il Corriere dello Sport, said.

Rosella Sensi, a former Roma President, said on Instagram: “Come on, Joe, you are strong. I am close to you.”

SPAL President Joe Tacopina sent a message on X, formerly Twitter, on behalf of the club.

“Come on Joe, this is a game you must win,” SPAL said on social media.

Fiorentina players and coach Vincenzo Italiano visited Barone in hospital on Sunday and are now returning to Florence. Barone’s wife Camilla arrived at the San Raffaele in the evening.