Commisso: ‘Anyone who says I don’t spend at Fiorentina are crazy’

Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso admitted he’s ‘not happy with the results’ of the team this season and hit out at those who claim he doesn’t invest in the club.

The Viola currently sit eighth in the Serie A table, sitting five points behind fourth place Atalanta. Vincenzo Italiano’s side have shown some positives across the course of the campaign, but poor results in direct clashes with their rivals for the European spots has seen them drop behind the pack.

Fiorentina were fairly quiet in the January transfer window, only agreeing loan deals for Roma striker Andrea Belotti and Hellas Verona full back Davide Faraoni. They were more active in the summer, investing over €40m in players like Lucas Beltran and Fabiano Parisi.

Speaking to Fiorentina’s media department via Calciomercato.com, Commisso first discussed his thoughts on the club’s results and work this season.

“I returned to the USA in November and soon I hope to return to Florence. I spoke with the guys and the directors. I want them to remember that I’m always close to them. I started like this at 19 years old and I hope to continue doing so.

“I’m not happy with the results, but this season for results in my management it’s one of the best. We have 34 points in the league. We have already had ups and downs, and we have always raised our heads. I reminded them of the responsibilities that this shirt imposes.”

He spoke highly about the work of coach Italiano, who has been linked with a number of jobs across Italy in recent months.

“The coach has our complete trust because over the years he has done an extraordinary job. We’re always at his side. I find it embarrassing who says that there isn’t a good relationship between us. And the words against Biraghi from some don’t make me happy.

“He always gives 100%. When things aren’t going well you have to stay close to the team. I expect the fans to support us. Now it’s easier to criticize, but the calculations will be made in the end. There are people who make money thanks to Fiorentina, but they only want the worst.”

The Viola president touched on the financial health of the team.

“Without capital gains, the 2023 revenues were €146m. This is the best result in the history of Fiorentina. And we also have important numbers in 2024. Anyone who says I don’t want to spend is crazy. In June 2024 I will have spent over €750m, according to estimates.

“It is clear that the owners before me have never reached these numbers. Our accounts are in order, but this does not mean I have to spend figures outside the market. We had asked for equal rules for everyone. And for now, nothing has changed, and the indebted teams are still in the market.”

Finally, Commisso discussed the January arrivals of Belotti and Faraoni.

“I’m happy with Belotti and Faraoni, important players, two captains. I’ve followed Belotti for years and I’m very happy to have him with us. He’s happy to be here and I hope they both give a great hand.”