An immense fear swept through the Artemio-Franchi stadium in Florence on Sunday around 6:15 p.m. A Fiorentina player fell ill and had convulsions during the match against Inter Milan, before being taken to hospital. Update on what we know.
What happened?
Edoardo Bove, number 4 of Fiorentina, suddenly collapsed on the field in the 16th minute of the match against Inter this Sunday, on behalf of the 13th day of Serie A. A few seconds before collapsing, the 22-year-old Italian midfielder received a blow to the chest after a collision with interior defender Denzel Dumfries.
Players from both teams immediately ran to him, including his teammate Danilo Cataldi, who had the reflex to turn his head so he wouldn't choke on his tongue. The Florentine people, still traumatized by the sudden death of their former captain Davide Astori in his sleep in March 2018, were then plunged into fear.
As tears began to stream down the faces of his teammates and supporters, Bove was taken to Careggi hospital. According to the Italian press agency Ansa, he suffered an epileptic attack on the field and then suffered a cardiac arrest.
How is the player doing?
The midfielder regained consciousness more than thirty minutes after his illness, with a normal heart rate. He spoke with his loved ones who came to his bedside, as well as his trainer Raffaelle Palladino and the mayor of Florence, Sara Funaro.
At 8:26 p.m., almost two hours after the events, Fiorentina and the Careggi University Hospital carried out a first medical assessment via a joint press release. “Edoardo Bove (…) is currently under pharmacological sedation and hospitalized in intensive care,” we can read. The first cardiological and neurological examinations excluded an acute lesion of the central nervous system and the cardio-respiratory system. He will be re-evaluated in 24 hours. »
Reassuring news, as his teammates joined him in hospital. Fiorentina fans also showed up to show their support for the player by deploying a banner “Strength Edoardo, Florence is with you”.
What impact on the match?
Bove's discomfort came at 0-0 between the two clubs, as VAR checked a Lautaro Martinez goal that was disallowed because the ball had previously gone out. The match, which had become anecdotal, was immediately interrupted. Once the player was evacuated on a stretcher, the match referee, Daniele Doveri, sent all the players back to the locker room.
About twenty minutes after the match was interrupted, the Italian League announced that the match would not resume and would be rescheduled to a later date, still undetermined.
Who is Edoardo Bove?
Born in Rome and trained at AS Roma, the 22-year-old midfielder began his professional career in 2020. He played 91 matches and scored four goals in the jersey of his favorite club, of which he was an important part. This Italian Espoirs international left La Louve this summer, in the form of a loan with an option to buy from Fiorentina.
He quickly established himself as an essential element since he played 11 of the 13 matches this season (including the one started against Inter), scored a goal and provided three assists. In its wake, the Tuscan team is one of the good surprises of this season and occupies fourth place in the Italian championship, tied on points with second.
