Viola Park

In 2019, Gianpiero was appointed by Rocco Commisso, the new owner of A.C.F. Fiorentina—Florence’s storied Serie A soccer club—as the client representative for the development of Viola Park, an ambitious, world-class training center situated on 64 acres of historic Roman farmland on the outskirts of Florence.

As Commisso’s trusted representative, Gianpiero provided comprehensive leadership across every phase of the project—from strategic land acquisition and the assembly of an international consultant team, to design oversight, municipal approvals, tendering, and construction administration. Acting as the client’s single point of direction, he ensured that the project’s design integrity, performance standards, and long-term operational goals were perfectly aligned with Commisso’s vision for Fiorentina’s future.

Archea Associati was chosen as the project’s architect and centered their design around the site’s ancient Roman agrarian patterns, preserving the rhythm and orientation of the land, while introducing a contemporary architectural language. The resulting complex is among the most advanced sports facilities in the world, encompassing 12 outdoor soccer fields, two mini-stadiums seating 3,000 and 1,500 spectators respectively, state-of-the-art medical and training centers, and administrative offices for over 400 Fiorentina staff. A restored historic villa anchors the site with a profound sense of continuity, while an events pavilion at the heart of the complex serves as a civic and cultural hub. Within this pavilion, Gianpiero was personally invited to design Saint Catherine’s Chapel, creating a refined and purposeful setting for reflection, gathering, and ceremonies that are central to the life of the Fiorentina community.

More than a sports facility, Viola Park represents a cultural renaissance for Fiorentina and for Italian soccer. It is a place where tradition and progress converge—where architecture, landscape, and human aspiration come together to create a setting worthy of the club’s storied history and ambitious future.