Serie A match abandoned after Fiorentina player collapses on field,
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Serie A match between Fiorentina and Inter Milan was abandoned after Edoardo Bove collapsed on the field. Massimo Paolone/LaPresse/AP
A Serie A match between Fiorentina and Inter Milan was abandoned on Sunday after Fiorentina midfielder Edoardo Bove collapsed on the pitch. The incident occurred in the 16th minute of the match at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence, Italy, when Bove suddenly fell to the ground following a stoppage in play. Players from both teams quickly signaled for medical assistance as the situation unfolded.
The 22-year-old Bove was swiftly attended to by medical staff and was stretchered off the field. He was then placed into an ambulance and transported to the hospital. The emotional players, visibly shaken by the event, stayed on the field as the match was halted, with the score still 0-0 at the time. The game was officially abandoned, and no further play took place.
Later in the day, Fiorentina and the Careggi University Hospital issued a joint statement confirming that Bove had been hospitalized in intensive care. He had lost consciousness during the incident and was placed under sedation. However, the statement assured the public that Bove had arrived at the emergency department in stable condition, with initial cardiological and neurological tests ruling out any acute damage to his central nervous system or respiratory system.
On Monday, as Bove left the hospital, Fiorentina’s head coach Raffaele Palladino provided an update on his condition. Palladino said that Bove was “lucid and answering questions,” but emphasized that further tests were still being conducted. The coach also mentioned that Bove had been extubated after spending 13 hours on a ventilator, which was a positive sign of his recovery. Fiorentina’s medical team continued to monitor his condition closely, and Palladino expressed optimism about Bove’s recovery.
Bove’s girlfriend, Martina, and his mother, Tanya, were also reported to have been by his side at the hospital. According to local press reports, both women noted that Bove had been smiling at the nurses, which brought some relief to the concerned fans and staff. Fiorentina and the hospital confirmed that a joint press conference would be held later that day once all neurological and physical tests were completed.
The incident prompted an outpouring of support for Bove from the football world. Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso released a statement, expressing solidarity with Bove and his family: “Forza Edoardo, we’re with you. You’re a strong boy with a great character.” He added that the club was extending its support to Bove’s family during this difficult time. Fiorentina also thanked the football community for its overwhelming support, which came from clubs and fans alike.
On Monday, Fiorentina announced that the team would resume training in preparation for their next match in the Coppa Italia against Empoli, scheduled for Wednesday. This decision came after receiving the positive news about Bove’s condition, which reassured the team and their supporters.
Italy’s Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi, also commented on the incident, emphasizing the importance of life above all else. “The supreme value is life. This morning’s first thought is dedicated to Edoardo Bove,” Abodi said. He stressed the need for ongoing efforts in screening and prevention to safeguard the health of players. He also praised the quick and effective response of the players, medical staff, and emergency responders, who acted swiftly and efficiently during the incident.
This was the second Serie A match to be abandoned this year due to a medical emergency. In April, a similar situation occurred during a match involving AS Roma, when Evan Ndicka was rushed to the hospital after suffering a medical emergency on the field.
At the time of the abandonment, Fiorentina was in fourth place in the Serie A standings, having won eight matches this season. The game between Fiorentina and Inter Milan will be rescheduled and played at a later date, though a specific timeline has not yet been determined.
As of now, Bove’s condition remains stable, and both his family and the football community are hopeful for his full recovery. Fans and supporters continue to send their well wishes to the young midfielder as he begins his journey toward healing.
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