Fiorentina have confirmed that Edoardo Bove is in intensive care after collapsing on the pitch during Sunday night’s Serie A clash with Inter Milan.
The 22-year-old went to ground early in the first-half at the Stadio Artemio Franchi and play was immediately halted as paramedics rushed onto the field of play. Distressed Fiorentina and Inter players formed a protective shield around Bove before the midfielder was stretched off to an ambulance near the pitch.
Bove’s teammates and rivals were left distraught by the horrifying ordeal, with some players seen in tears. Referee Daniele Doveri then took the teams off the field before the suspended match was eventually abandoned, with the game goalless at the time.
Fiorentina released a statement on Sunday night, saying: “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 hours.”
The Florence outfit also said club president Rocco Commisso was “in constant contact with Florence from the United States to support Edoardo and his family”, with Commisso saying: “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.”
Inter President Giuseppe Marotta said: “From Inter and the entire football world, we want to express how close we are to the player’s family and Fiorentina.
“The postponement was a spontaneous decision from all the parties involved: we are a community, and when something like this happens, I believe it’s normal to make this kind of decision while hoping that the situation is not too serious. I want to underline the support of Inter, the management, the staff, the team and the entire football world for this young man, who is only 22 years old. We hope he can recover quickly and in the best way possible.”
A post from Serie A on X read: “Forza Edoardo. We’re all with you.” Bove’s parent club, Roma, sent a message of support on X: “One of us, we are all with you, go Edo!”. Fiorentina keeper and ex-Manchester United No1 David de Gea later wrote “God please” on social media along with a praying hands emoji.