FLORENCE, Italy (AP) – Rocco Commisso, the prominent owner of the Italian soccer club Fiorentina and chairman of New York-based Mediacom Communications, has passed away at the age of 76. The news of Commisso's death was announced by both Fiorentina and Mediacom early Saturday, although they did not disclose a specific cause of death.

Fiorentina expressed their sorrow through a statement, saying, "After a prolonged period of medical treatment, our beloved president has left us, and today we all mourn his passing." The club emphasized Commisso's deep affection for Fiorentina, stating that his commitment to the team was one of the greatest gifts he ever gave himself.

Born in Calabria, Italy, Commisso immigrated to the United States at the age of 12. He ultimately turned Mediacom into one of the largest cable television companies in the U.S. In 2019, Commisso acquired Fiorentina, where he quickly became known for his candid critiques of Italy's bureaucracy, particularly regarding the challenges associated with building new stadiums.

In addition to his role with Fiorentina, Commisso held ownership of the New York Cosmos, contributing to the soccer landscape in the United States. He also played soccer at Columbia University, an Ivy League institution where he maintained a philanthropic relationship, leading to the university's soccer stadium being named in his honor.

During his tenure at Fiorentina, Commisso celebrated significant achievements such as the team's appearance in the Conference League final in both 2023 and 2024. However, the current season has been challenging for the team, which finds itself in the relegation zone of Serie A, raising concerns among fans and stakeholders alike.

This moment marks a profound loss for the soccer community, not only for Fiorentina supporters but for the broader landscape of soccer in Italy and the United States. Rocco Commisso's impact on the sport, through both his advocacy and financial support, will be remembered as a pivotal aspect of his legacy.