Fiorentina’s match against Inter Milan was halted after Viola star Edoardo Bove collapsed on the pitch, leaving players from both teams visibly upset and in tears. Reports from spectators indicate that the midfielder, who is on loan from Roma, fell to the ground with no one around him.
His fellow players were reportedly distressed as paramedics attended to the 22-year-old. Players from both sides rushed to the young player’s aid, forming a protective shield around him as he received medical attention.
Several players were seen gathered around, some in tears. Fiorentina keeper David de Gea later posted ‘God please’ on social media along with a praying hands emoji.
The match was goalless at the time, with just over 16 minutes played. Both Inter and Fiorentina are currently high up in the Serie A table, trailing behind league leaders Napoli.
“Forza Edoardo. We’re all with you,” wrote Serie A’s official account. Sky Italia reported that Bove was breathing but unconscious when taken to hospital, reports the Mirror.
The same outlet later suggested that early signs indicated the midfielder had regained consciousness, although there has been no official confirmation at the time of writing. Sky Italia also noted that Bove collapsed while the game was paused for an unrelated issue, having bent down to tie his shoelace shortly before collapsing.
Bove’s team-mate Andrea Colpani was visibly upset, seen in tears after the player collapsed. Subsequently, Colpani and the remaining Fiorentina and Inter players on the pitch were directed back to their changing rooms, with reports of fans starting to leave the stadium shortly afterwards.
“The match will not resume and is postponed to a date to be determined,” read a statement from Serie A. “With the game interrupted, Bove collapsed to the ground and the situation immediately appeared very serious. An ambulance took the player away, we await news”.
Since joining on loan during the summer transfer window, Bove has been a regular for Fiorentina. He netted his first Viola goal in October in a 5-1 triumph over parent club Roma.
Roma themselves sent a message of support. “One of us, we are all with you, go Edo! ” the Giallorossi posted, along with a photo of Bove playing for the club.
Numerous supporters expressed their well-wishes on social media. “I hope they can help him. Awful, awful news to read today. Still holding hope the doctors can heal him,” one penned.
“Thoughts with Bove, his family and @acffiorentina,” another wrote. “We should suspend this match. The players were shaken. They are people too.”
Fans of other clubs also shared messages of support upon hearing the news.
“Praying for Bove. Everyone deserves to go back home to their family,” one wrote.
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