Football in Italy: Reports: Serie A professional Bove stable after cardiac arrest

Italian footballer Edoardo Bove is in stable condition after collapsing during a Serie A match. As the media unanimously reported the morning after the dramatic incident, the Fiorentina professional is conscious, responsive and can breathe independently. A breathing tube was removed. The 22-year-old is in the intensive care unit of the Careggi University Hospital in Florence for further observation and examination.

Bove collapsed on Sunday afternoon during Fiorentina’s home game against champions Inter Milan after a good quarter of an hour without any external influence. As the media reported, his heart stopped briefly and a defibrillator was used. The winger was taken to the clinic in an ambulance after a few minutes of first aid on the pitch.

DFB professional Gosens and FIFA boss Infantino write to Bove

From there, the all-clear came in the evening: cardiological and neurological tests were positive, and no acute damage to the nervous system or heart and lung functions was detected. Another medical update was expected this Monday.

Numerous teammates and other representatives of the football world sent well-wishes to the former Italian U21 team player. DFB national player Robin Gosens, who plays with Bove at Fiorentina, wrote on Instagram: “Forza brother” next to a heart emoji. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on the same platform: “Forza Edo. The great family of world football is at your side.”

Countless other clubs, players and ex-professionals also wished Bove good luck and a speedy recovery. Coach Raffaele Palladino visited his player in the morning, and some teammates also came to the clinic. Association President Gabriele Gravina also announced that he would come to the hospital in Tuscany.

The incident at the Stadio Franchi shocked many people present. Several players from both teams cried as first responders and paramedics tended to Bove in the hectic moments. The game was canceled – also at the request of both teams – and should be continued and finished at another date.

Bad memories at Fiorentina and Inter

Bad memories came back to many fans and those present: AC Fiorentina lost their captain Davide Astori in 2018 because he suffered a cardiac arrest in a hotel room before an away game and died. The national player is still remembered today at Fiorentina’s home games.

Earlier this year, Joe Barone, the club’s general manager, suffered a fatal heart attack aged 57. Some Inter players were former teammates of Dane Christian Eriksen, who collapsed at Euro 2021 and had to be revived on the pitch.

Bove was the goalscorer in the semi-final against Leverkusen

Before Bove came to Florence on loan in the summer, he was a Roman native who played for AS Roma during his childhood and youth. In the 2023 Europa League semi-finals, he scored the goal against Bayer Leverkusen for a 1-0 first-leg win, which meant the Italians reached the final after a goalless draw in the second leg in Leverkusen.