Distressed Fiorentina and Inter Milan players were reduced to tears after 22-year-old midfielder Edoardo Bove collapsed on the pitch, causing the game to be called off.
Only 16 minutes of the Serie A match at the Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence had been played when Fiorentina loanee Bove collapsed.
Reporters at the game said Bove bent down to tie his boots and collapsed to the ground when he went to get to his feet.
Players from both teams surrounded Bove, shielding the young star as he received medical treatment.
The game was suspended shortly after Bove was rushed to hospital in an ambulance that had driven onto the pitch following animated demands from the players.
A number of players had their head in their hands after seeing Bove on the floor, with several in tears. They soon returned to the changing rooms.
Sky Italia say Bove was unconscious as he was transported to Careggi University hospital but has regained consciousness and breathing.
Several Fiorentina employees – including head coach Raffaele Palladino – are believed to be at the hospital to support Bove.
Following the disturbing incident, Italian tennis player Flavio Cobolli – who is close to Bove – posted: ‘Come on, my friend’ with a heart emoji.
Napoli were among the first clubs to send messages to the midfielder, posting on X: ‘Come on Edoardo, we are with you!’
Serie A soon confirmed the game had been called off and would be played at a later date.
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.’
Bove began his career at Roma’s academy and made 92 first-team appearances for the Italian side – some under Jose Mourinho – before joining Fiorentina on loan in August.
His appearance against Inter Milan was his 14th for Fiorentina, who had the option to sign Bove on a permanent deal at the end of the season.
‘Harrowing scenes in the Fiorentina vs Inter game,’ said sports journalist Kaustubh Pandey after Bove collapsed.
‘Eduardo Bove went down, was surrounded by the players in a circle. Ambulance was urged to come on. So many players struggling with their emotions.’
Fiorentina are currently third in Serie A, level on points with second-placed Inter Milan.
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