Edoardo Bove: Fiorentina vs Inter Milan abandoned after midfielder collapses

Fiorentina’s Serie A clash with second-placed Inter Milan was abandoned after their midfielder Edoardo Bove collapsed.

Play was halted in the 16th minute at the Stadio Franchi to review a potential VAR check on a disallowed Lautaro Martinez goal for Inter when the 22-year-old Bove, seemingly bending down to take off his boot, suddenly collapsed, causing a stoppage in play.

In worrying scenes, players rushed to Bove’s aid after he appeared unresponsive when he fell to the ground.

Team-mates immediately called for medical assistance and the Fiorentina players formed a protective ring around Bove in an effort to provide privacy as treatment was ongoing.

The Italian Under-21 international, who is on loan from Roma, was eventually carried off the pitch on a stretcher and taken by ambulance to a local hospital.

A subsequent statement from the Florence club said: “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.”

Fiorentina 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.”

With the players visibly distraught, the referee Daniele Doveri made the decision to take them off the pitch and back into the dressing rooms, with the match indefinitely suspended.

Some players were seen crying and consoling each other before they disappeared down the tunnel, from which they would not re-emerge.

A statement from Inter Milan shortly after said: “The match has been suspended due to a medical emergency.”

David De Gea, the former Manchester United goalkeeper who joined Fiorentina during the summer, posted on social media alongside a praying hands emoji a message that read: “God please.”

Roma added: “One of us, we are all with you.” Serie A said: “Forza Edoardo. We’re all with you.”

Many at Fiorentina – as well as the fans – remember former captain Davide Astori, who was found dead in his hotel room in March 2018 before a match in Udine.

It is the second incident this year of a player collapsing during a Serie A match. It happened to Roma defender Evan Ndicka during his team’s match at Udinese in April.