The cause of Edoardo Bove’s shocking on-pitch collapse during a Serie A game has been revealed, according to reports.
Midfielder Bove collapsed and was rushed off the pitch in an ambulance during his side’s Serie A match against Inter Milan at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Sunday night.
Bove, 22, went down untouched in the 16th minute with referee Daniele Doveri stopping the game to allow him to receive treatment.
The match was quickly suspended and the players returned to their dressing rooms as Bove was transported away from the stadium and to hospital.
However Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport have revealed that the player suffered a ‘cardiac arrest’ during the game, which is believed to have been the cause of the incident.
Reports claim that a defibrillator was used to restart his heart, before he was taken to the intensive care unit of the Careggi hospital in Florence. He has since been moved to a new department.
Edoardo Bove reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest in Sunday’s game which caused his collapse
Fiorentina midfielder Bove collapsed during his side’s game against Inter Milan on Sunday night
Bove was taken to hospital in an ambulance but was later said to be breathing and conscious
A report from La Gazzetta details the ‘continuous’ tests he has having done on his heart, while he remains in hospital where he is ‘awake and alert’.
Cardiologists are thought to be going through his medical history in order to ascertain whether there was any pre-existing condition, with might have ‘left some trace’ without directly causing Sunday’s collapse.
For example it is reported that the ‘slight myocarditis’ – a condition where heart muscles can become inflamed – caused by a Covid diagnosis four years ago is not thought to have left any traces on his heart.
Among the tests Bove is thought to have undergone are a CT scan and a cardiac magnetic resonance examination (CMR), which could help to determine whether there is any tissue capable of triggering an arrhythmia that could cause a similar episode to Sunday’s collapse.
In an update on his condition on Monday, Fiorentina said: ‘ACF Fiorentina has announced that Edoardo Bove, following an uneventful night, was awakened and extubated this morning. He is currently awake, alert and oriented.
‘He has spoken with his family, club management, the coach and his team-mates, who all rushed to go and see him as soon as they heard the good news. Further tests will be carried out in the coming days to establish what led to the critical situation that took place yesterday.
‘The doctors at Careggi University Hospital who are treating the player have confirmed that diagnostic tests are ongoing. Fiorentina would like to thank Careggi University Hospital and all of the doctors and staff for the wonderful humanity and professionalism they have shown.
‘The club would also like to thank the wider Fiorentina family and the entire world of football who, during this difficult time, have shown their great sympathy and care through their messages and support, which have been of great comfort both to the club and Edoardo and his family.’
Players from both teams were left in shock on the pitch as medical staff tended to Bove
Bove’s parents and his girlfriend – Martina (left) – were all in attendance on the night
For Edoardo Bove, the second night spent in the intensive care unit of the Careggi hospital was peaceful. Should the improvements continue, the player, who has undergone clinical tests in the last 36 hours, could be transferred to the cardiology department of the hospital in Florence.
Distressed Fiorentina and Inter players had formed a shield around Bove as he received treatment on the pitch before being taken to hospital in an ambulance.
Fiorentina club president Rocco Commisso said on Sunday night: ‘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.’
Bove, a product of Roma’s youth system, joined Fiorentina from the Giallorossi in August on a season-long loan with an option to buy.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, after arriving at the Careggi hospital in Florence, Bove regained consciousness and doctors assured that his ‘life was not in danger’.
Among the first to arrive at the hospital was captain Cristiano Biraghi. He was joined by Martinez Quarta. Danilo Cataldi, who was one of the first players to help Bove when he collapsed on the pitch, also visited the hospital.
Rolando Mandragora, Pietro Terracciano, Luca Ranieri and Dodo were also seen at the hospital – with several other players making their way over to the medical facility to show their support.
La Gazzetta dello Sport also revealed that Bove’s parents and girlfriend were all in attendance on the night and later travelled to the hospital to visit the Fiorentina star.
Later in the night, Fiorentina fans put up a banner outside the Careggi hospital in support
They reported that father Giovanni and girlfriend Martina attended the hospital straight away. Meanwhile, his mother Tanya collapsed inside the stadium after the incident.
After regaining consciousness, she later travelled to the hospital along with the mayor of Florence, Sara Funaro.
Inter Milan released a statement shortly after the incident took place on Sunday afternoon, saying: ‘The match has been suspended due to a medical emergency.’
Giuseppe Marotta, president of Inter, spoke about the incident shortly after it took place. He said: ‘Inter and the entire football world express their closeness to Bove’s family and Fiorentina.
‘The decision to postpone the match was spontaneous on everyone’s part, we are a community, all the players and even the referee were emotionally involved. We hope it is nothing serious’.
While a Serie A statement read: ‘The match will not resume and is postponed to a date to be determined. With the game interrupted, Bove collapsed to the ground and the situation immediately appeared very serious. An ambulance took the player away, we await news.’