Serie A game abandoned after Fiorentina midfielder collapses on pitch

Edoardo Bove is carried off the pitch on a stretcher during the game between Fiorentina and Inter at the Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence on Dec. 1, 2024. Photo by Reuters

The incident occurred at the Artemio Franchi Stadium when VAR was reviewing a disallowed goal by Lautaro Martinez in the 15th minute. Bove bent down to tie his shoelaces before suddenly collapsing.

Fiorentina players formed a circle as medical staff provided immediate first aid. Bove, 22, was quickly transferred to Careggi University Hospital in Florence. The match referee halted the game and Serie A organizers confirmed that the match would be rescheduled.

Sky Italia reported that Bove regained consciousness while he was in the ambulance and was managing to breathe on his own.

Fiorentina later updated that Bove was admitted to intensive care in a medically induced coma. Initial cardiovascular and neurological evaluations ruled out acute damage to his nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, though his condition will be reassessed within 24 hours.

The incident has drawn support from the football world, including messages from Serie A clubs, Thierry Henry and Paul Pogba. Fiorentina expressed gratitude for the widespread concern, with updates provided by the club president, Rocco Commisso, and Bove's family, who are closely monitoring his recovery.

Bove, a Roma academy graduate currently on loan at Fiorentina, has been a significant contributor this season, with one goal and two assists in 12 league appearances. He has also represented Italy across various youth levels.

This episode recalls past health scares in Serie A, including Udinese defender Evan Ndicka's collapse in April 2024 and the tragic death of Fiorentina captain Davide Astori in 2018 due to a heart attack.