Edoardo Bove reunited with his Fiorentina teammates on Saturday, days after being discharged from hospital following his on-pitch cardiac arrest earlier this month.
The 22-year-old midfielder, on loan from Roma, received a warm round of applause from his colleagues as he joined the squad meeting at Viola Park ahead of Fiorentina’s Serie A clash with Bologna on Sunday. Dressed in training kit, Bove did not participate in the session but shared smiles and encouragement with his teammates.
Bove had been hospitalised at Florence’s Careggi hospital since December 1, when he collapsed during Fiorentina’s match against Inter Milan at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. He underwent surgery to fit a defibrillator, a procedure that safeguards against future cardiac issues but raises questions about his footballing future.
Athletes with implantable defibrillators in Italy are typically disqualified from professional sports due to the potential risks during contact play. Bove’s situation will be reviewed in further medical tests to determine whether the device can be removed or modified.
The case mirrors that of Christian Eriksen, who left Inter Milan in 2021 after his cardiac arrest during the European Championships. Eriksen now plays for Manchester United and Denmark but cannot compete in Italian football due to his implanted defibrillator.
While Bove’s playing future in Italy remains uncertain, his presence on Saturday marked a significant step in his recovery and was a morale boost for the Fiorentina squad.
