Fiorentina chief issues positive health update on Edoardo Bove after Italian star, 22, leaves intensive care following his collapse… as fans and players send touching message to the midfielder

Fiorentina midfielder Edoardo Bove has left intensive care and is stepping up his recovery after collapsing on the pitch last Sunday, the Serie A club’s general manager has confirmed.

Bove, 22, was rushed to hospital after falling to the floor untouched in the 16th minute of Fiorentina’s match with Inter Milan, which was subsequently abandoned.

Reports in Italy claim that a defibrillator was used to restart Bove’s heart before the footballer was taken to the intensive care unit of the Careggi hospital in Florence. 

Fiorentina’s general manager Alessandro Ferrari has now confirmed that Bove’s recovery is progressing well and that the midfielder has moved out of intensive care to another unit of the hospital.

‘Edoardo is doing well, he is recovering and we are happy. We have to be patient and have respect for him. He changed [hospital] wards so things are better,” Ferrari told Italian broadcaster Mediaset ahead of Fiorentina’s cup clash with Empoli on Wednesday.

Before the Coppa Italia match, which saw Empoli triumph 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw between the two sides, Fiorentina’s staff, players and fans showed their support for Bove in heartfelt scenes at the Artemio Franchi Stadium.

The spectators produced a tifo display in honour of Bove, colourfully exhibiting a banner with the No 4 — his kit number — while others held scarves aloft to express their support.

Fiorentina’s players held up banners on the pitch ahead of kick-off, with one reading: ‘Now we’ll wait for you.’

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. 

Bove is on loan at Fiorentina from Roma and has made 14 appearances to date. He scored his first goal for his current club against his parent side in October.

An Italy international, Bove has played for his country at every age group up to the Under-21s but is yet to receive a call-up to the senior set-up.