Rocco Commisso, a self-made, hugely successful Italian American businessman, has achieved a major victory by securing an apology from the Milan-based La Gazzetta Dello Sport for its crude and hurtful “Italian American = Mafioso” statement.

With true grit and courage he is now finally acknowledged for his commitment on the international sports scene to promote soccer, Italian Americans and highlight the false accusations that successful Italian Americans being “Mafiosi”.

La Gazzetta’s letter of regret included this statement, “There is no satisfaction in knowing that one’s writing has caused not a reflection, but pain. When this happens, there is no problem in apologizing.”

Thank you La Gazzetta Dello Sport for dispelling this myth and acknowledging your past error in judgment of a great Italian American.

Born in Italy and raised in America, Rocco Commisso created Mediacom, one of the most successful cable companies in the United States. He brought his same determination of excellence to the Fiorentina soccer team, acquiring outstanding players, building a state-of-the-art athletic center and ultimately a new stadium in Florence. 

With his commitment to the Viola team and Firenze, he never gave up his dream of bringing this team and the city it represents to new heights.

He never submitted to the criticism that he received purely because of his bold leadership. He would not allow others, even the elite Italian sports media to marginalize Italian Americans, who are rightly proud of his incredible accomplishments.

In explaining his three-year effort to obtain this retraction from La Gazzetta, Mr. Commisso said: “I cannot accept certain ironies, because beyond my path of studies, sweat, work and fatigue, they recall a stereotype that has affected entire generations of Italian Americans who have been labeled as mafiosi.”

He noted that the film industry has almost always characterized our community as criminal. “This has represented a serious damage and colossal lie, because Italians have contributed to making America grow with their commitment and work. For the 1% who have lived lives of illegality, there is a 99% of good people of whom we can be proud.”

Thank you Rocco Commisso for setting the record straight and representing the best in our Italian American community.