Edoardo Bove, a midfielder for Fiorentina, has been placed in a medically induced coma following a collapse during a Serie A match against Inter Milan on Sunday. The match was called off shortly after his incident.
As soon as Bove fell, his teammates immediately sought medical assistance. Players from both teams gathered around the 22-year-old while he received treatment before being taken off the field on a stretcher and rushed to Careggi Hospital in Florence.
In an official statement, Fiorentina confirmed that Bove is currently under sedation in intensive care. Fortunately, initial cardiological and neurological tests have indicated that there is no acute damage to his central nervous system or respiratory system. Bove is scheduled for a re-evaluation within the next 24 hours.
Reports from Sky Italia emerging from the scene indicate that Bove regained consciousness while being transported in the ambulance and is now breathing on his own. His family, including his parents and girlfriend, have arrived at the hospital, joined by Fiorentina’s coach Raffaele Palladino, other teammates, and club officials, including the city’s mayor.
Outside the hospital, Fiorentina fans have shown their support by gathering and displaying banners that read: “Forza Edoardo, Florence is with you.” Fiorentina’s president, Rocco Commisso, expressed his solidarity and mentioned that he is in constant contact with Bove’s family from the United States. “Forza Edoardo, we’re with you,” he said, encouraging the young player.
Messages of support from fellow players and clubs have poured in on social media. Federico Dimarco, an Inter midfielder who witnessed the incident, also posted a heartfelt message for Bove and his family.
The alarming incident occurred during the 16th minute of the match, which was stopped following a video review. Bove collapsed shortly after bending down to tie his shoelaces. His teammates were visibly shaken, with several players crying as they left the field in distress.
This match was abruptly halted and later declared abandoned, with the score standing at 0-0 at the time of the incident. This unfortunate occurrence has brought memories back for many at Fiorentina, particularly of former captain Davide Astori, who tragically passed away in 2018.
This marks the second incident this year in Serie A where a player has collapsed on the field, following a similar situation involving Roma defender Evan Ndicka in April.
Bove, who came up through Roma’s youth academy, joined Fiorentina on loan with an option for a permanent transfer. Romelu Lukaku, who played alongside Bove last season, shared a photo of them and offered words of encouragement, stating: “I love you lil bro. We are all with you.”
