Fiorentina’s Edoardo Bove Conscious After On-Pitch Collapse

Fiorentina midfielder Edoardo Bove is reported to be “awake” and “alert” following his admission to intensive care at a hospital on Sunday. This occurred after he collapsed on the pitch during his team’s Serie A match against Inter Milan. Bove joined Fiorentina on a season-long loan from Roma in the summer. The match was suspended in the 16th minute due to the incident and was subsequently abandoned. Fiorentina announced that after “an uneventful night,” the 22-year-old Bove was “awakened and extubated (having a tube removed from his windpipe) this morning” and confirmed he was “awake” and “alert.” The Italian club further added: “He has spoken with his family, club management, the coach and his team-mates, who all rushed to go and see him as soon as they heard the good news. “Further tests will be carried out in the coming days to establish what led to the critical situation that took place.” Bove’s sudden fall to the ground caused an immediate stoppage in play, with players from both sides promptly signalling for medical staff to enter the field before forming a protective ring around him. He was then carried off on a stretcher and placed into a waiting ambulance after the referee instructed both sets of players to leave the pitch. The midfielder initially joined Fiorentina in August on a season-long loan from Roma, with an option to make the deal permanent. He scored his first goal for La Viola in October against his parent club. The Italian has represented his country at various youth levels, up to under-21, but has not yet earned a senior international cap. Fiorentina stated: “The doctors at Careggi University Hospital who are treating the player have confirmed that diagnostic tests are ongoing.” The club also expressed gratitude, saying: “Fiorentina would like to thank Careggi University Hospital and all of the doctors and staff for the wonderful humanity and professionalism they have shown.” Fiorentina later confirmed that Wednesday’s Coppa Italia last-16 match at home against Empoli would proceed as scheduled. The club explained its decision, stating: “After the video call that Edoardo Bove had with all his team-mates, the coach and his staff as well as the team have decided to return to the pitch immediately and prepare for the match against Empoli on Wednesday.”