Fiorentina's Bove in intensive care following on-field collapse during match against Inter Milan
Fiorentina midfielder Edoardo Bove, aged 22, was transported off the field in an ambulance after collapsing shortly after the commencement of their Serie A match against Inter Milan on Sunday.
According to Sky Sport Italia, Bove was taken to Careggi Hospital, located near Stadio Franchi in Florence, where he was reported to be breathing independently and had regained consciousness.
A spokesperson for Serie A later announced that the match had been suspended and would be rescheduled for a future date.
In a joint statement from the club and the Careggi University Hospital Company, it was noted: "The footballer Edoardo Bove, who required medical assistance on the field due to a loss of consciousness during the match, is currently under pharmacological sedation and is hospitalized in intensive care."
"Bove arrived at the emergency department in stable hemodynamic condition, and initial cardiological and neurological assessments ruled out acute damage to both the central nervous system and the cardio-respiratory system. He will undergo further evaluation within the next 24 hours."
The game was interrupted while officials reviewed a potential VAR decision regarding a disallowed goal by Lautaro Martinez when the 22-year-old appeared to bend down to remove his boot and suddenly collapsed in the 17th minute.
Medical staff quickly attended to the situation, with Fiorentina players forming a protective circle around Bove, who joined the club on loan from AS Roma in August.
Following Bove's removal by ambulance, the referee instructed the players to exit the pitch and return to their dressing rooms.
Inter chairman Giuseppe Marotta expressed that the decision to postpone the match was straightforward.
"Football is a community, and when such circumstances arise, the players and the referee collaborated effectively, leading to a spontaneous choice to halt the game," he remarked to Sky Sport Italia.
Support for Bove was evident from other Serie A clubs.
"We stand united with you, Edoardo!" Juventus shared on X, while league leaders Napoli added: "Stay strong, Edoardo, we are here for you!"
SportsLigue