Fiorentina midfielder Edoardo Bove has been placed in a medically induced coma after collapsing on the pitch during his team's Serie A fixture against Inter Milan. The match, held in Florence, was abandoned shortly after the incident.

Bove's teammates immediately signalled for medical assistance, and players from both sides formed a protective circle around the 22-year-old as he received treatment. He was promptly stretchered off the pitch and taken by ambulance to Careggi University Hospital on Sunday.

“Fiorentina and the Careggi University Hospital announce that the footballer Edoardo Bove is currently under pharmacological sedation and hospitalised in intensive care,” the club said in a statement.

“The initial cardiological and neurological tests have ruled out acute damage to the central nervous system and the cardio-respiratory system. Edoardo Bove will undergo further evaluation within the next 24 hours.”

Sky Italia reported that Bove regained consciousness while en route to the hospital and was able to breathe unaided.

Bove’s parents and girlfriend, Fiorentina manager Raffaele Palladino, many teammates, club directors, and the mayor of Florence have since gathered at the hospital to offer their support. Fiorentina fans have also shown solidarity, assembling outside the hospital with banners bearing the words: “Forza Edoardo, Florence is with you.”

Club president Rocco Commisso, speaking from the United States, expressed his support, saying, “Forza Edoardo, we’re with you. You’re a strong lad with a great character.”

Messages of encouragement have poured in from across the football community. Inter midfielder Federico Dimarco, who was on the pitch during the incident, shared, “Forza Edo, we are all with you and your family.”

The incident occurred in the 16th minute of the match, following a VAR review. Bove appeared to bend down to tie his bootlaces before suddenly collapsing.

Players from Fiorentina and Inter were visibly distressed, with several seen in tears. Staff members and teammates attempted to console the shaken players before they left the pitch. The game, which was goalless at the time, was subsequently abandoned.

The incident has evoked painful memories for Fiorentina fans of former captain Davide Astori, who tragically passed away in his sleep in March 2018 ahead of a match in Udine.

This marks the second time this year a player has collapsed during a Serie A match. In April, Roma defender Evan Ndicka collapsed during a game against Udinese.

Bove, who is a graduate of Roma’s youth academy, joined Fiorentina on loan this season, with the club holding an option to make the move permanent.

Romelu Lukaku, Bove’s former Roma teammate, shared a heartfelt message on social media, posting a photo of the two during a match and writing, “I love you, little bro. We are all with you.”