That Conflenti is a town of emigrated It's well known. Many people left with the hope of finding a brighter future where they could settle down forever. An unknown future that leaves behind a nostalgia for their origins. The same nostalgia that Romeo Floro, a true Conflentese, most likely felt. Son of Pasqualinu 'e Pilune e Maria Paluvescia, last of seven brothers, è one of ACF Fiorentina's historic warehousemen, since the Cecchi Gori era. He is also responsible for the sports center of the Florence football club.
Romeo: from tire dealer to warehouse worker
Born in Conflenti in 1959, after completing middle school, he decided to follow his older brother to Florence, where he found his fortune. In fact, in just a few hours, he goes from tire dealer to warehouse workerIt was 2002 when the then mayor of FlorenceLeonardo Domenici, Councilor Giani, and Sports Director Galli drop by Romeo's workshop, asking him to follow them in this new adventure. A proposal that Romeo, as a good Pilune, he doesn't let it slip away. He immediately accepts the job, along with his wife Manuela, who gets a job in the laundry. Shortly thereafter, the Fiorentina club is purchased by the Della Valle family, and Romeo's fantastic journey with the Viola Club begins.
Warehouse worker essential for the smooth functioning of the team
Far from the limelight and fame, Romeo gets to grips with his role as a stockman, essential to the smooth running of a team. A stockman isn't just responsible for laundry, pumping up balls, or preparing bags and jerseys for the match. He often becomes a friend to everyone, especially the players. Just like Romeo. Lively and extroverted, it takes little time for him to be loved by everyoneAnd now, after 17 years, the era of brothers Diego and Andrea Della Valle is coming to an end, with the Viola club being taken over by Rocco Commisso, the Italian-American entrepreneur also has a great passion for our fellow countryman. Perhaps it's because the new Viola owner is also Calabrian (from Marina di Gioiosa Ionica), or perhaps it's because our Romeo immediately made himself available to him. What's certain is that he immediately found a strong point of reference in Romeo.
Florentine yes, but with a yellow and blue heart
A great privilege, therefore, for Romeo, who, with his humility and willingness, has managed to redeem himself after a life full of sacrifices. The same sacrifices that have allowed him to advance his career, to work closely with the "greats" of sport. And to remain, despite everything, attached to his hometown. To return every summer, even for just a few days, here in Conflenti. Because in his heart remained the image of his country from when he left it the first time..
