Fiorentina midfielder Edoardo Bove is in intensive care after he collapsed in frightening scenes during Sunday’s match against Inter Milan.
The Italian Under-21 international, on loan at Fiorentina from Roma this season, collapsed untouched during the 16th minute of the Serie A fixture at the Stadio Artemio Franchi during a VAR check for a disallowed goal by Inter’s Lautaro Martinez.
Bove looked to be bending down to adjust his boot when he suddenly collapsed to the floor, leading to players from both sides and referee Daniel Doveri calling for immediate medical attention.
A statement from Fiorentina read: “ACF Fiorentina and the Careggi University Hospital have announced that footballer Edoardo Bove, who was treated on the pitch following a loss of consciousness during the Fiorentina v Inter match, is currently under sedation and is hospitalised in intensive care.
“The Viola player arrived at the emergency department in stable haemodynamic conditions and initial cardiological and neurological tests have ruled out acute damage to the central nervous system and the cardio-respiratory system.
“Bove will be re-evaluated in the next 24 hrs.”
Forza Edoardo. We're all with you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/VbaYLhhTzo
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) December 1, 2024
Medics quickly made their way on to the pitch to treat the 22-year-old, with his distressed team-mates forming a protective ring around him in order to offer privacy.
Bove was then stretchered into an ambulance on the pitch and taken to the nearby Careggi Hospital, with the match initially suspended as the players returned to their respective dressing rooms and then abandoned around 30 minutes later.
Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso said: "Forza Edoardo, we’re with you. You’re a strong boy with a great character. We’re reaching out to the boy's family during these moments."
The official account of Serie A posted: “Forza Edoardo. We're all with you.”
Bove had spent his entire senior career to date at Roma, rising through the youth ranks and making 92 senior appearances across all competitions before joining Serie A rivals Fiorentina on a season-long loan in the summer that included an option to buy.
He has played for the Viola 14 times so far this season, scoring one goal in the 5-1 win over his parent club and registering four assists.
Bove has also been a regular at youth level for Italy, making 14 appearances to date for the Azzurri’s U21 side.
