Fiorentina director Joe Barone has sadly passed away at the age of 57.

The Italian-born American fell ill over the weekend and was rushed to hospital with a serious and sudden illness.

After being treated at the cardiac intensive unit at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, his club have now confirmed the sad news of his passing.

A statement from Fiorentina's club website said: "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.

"General Director Giuseppe Barone passed away today at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan after suddenly falling ill on Sunday.

"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."

Serie A's official X account led the tributes, writing: "Lega Serie A expresses its grief and extends its condolences to the family, Rocco Commisso, the team and all the staff of ACF Fiorentina for the sudden death of General Manager Joe Barone."

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Barone was a hugely popular figure in Italian footballCredit: X @FabrizioRomano Lazio wrote: "SS Lazio is moved by the pain of the family of Joe Barone, General Director of ACF Fiorentina. President Lotito, the entire management and the team express deep condolences to the people dear to him and to the lily club."

AC Milan also paid tribute, writing: "AC Milan is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Joe Barone. Our most heartfelt condolences go to his family and everyone at Fiorentina."

Juventus wrote: "We are close to the Barone family and to the whole Fiorentina for the tragic passing of Joe."

Meanwhile Inter Milan wrote: "FC Internazionale Milano expresses its condolences for the passing of Joe Barone and rallies around his family and Fiorentina."

Atalanta, the club who were due to face Fiorentina over the weekend, also paid tribute writing: "President Antonio Percassi, Co-Chairman Stephen Pagliuca, CEO Luca Percassi and the whole of Atalanta BC join the Barone family and ACF Fiorentina in mourning the sudden and unexpected death of General Manager Joe Barone.

"Atalanta BC extends their deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Joe Barone's loved ones and ACF Fiorentina."