Bove ‘optimistic’ on return to field 1 year on from cardiac arrest

Edoardo Bove is ‘back in training and optimistic we’ll see him on the field soon’ a year on from his cardiac arrest while on loan at Fiorentina from Roma.

The midfielder suddenly collapsed during the Serie A match between Inter and Fiorentina at the Stadio Franchi on December 1, 2024.

His heart had briefly stopped, but was already beating again by the time he was placed into the ambulance and taken to the local hospital for tests.

He had an implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD) to maintain the heart’s rhythm in case of further problems, but under the Italian rules, is not allowed to participate in professional sport with that still in place.

This is why Christian Eriksen was forced to leave Inter and Serie A when he had a similar implant in 2021.

However, if the doctors give the all clear, it can be removed and 23-year-old Bove can return to football in Italy.

“Edoardo is so eager to get back and play,” agent Diego Tavano told Radio 1 Sport.

“He is respecting the schedule, but we are optimistic. Seeing him back on the pitch is a dream for many Italians. Everyone cares about him, regardless of club affiliation.

“He is training and we hope to soon have him back in action. We cannot say yet if it will be in Italy or abroad, but the desire to return is very strong.”

Meanwhile, Bove is determined to use his experience to help others, with the proposal of a new law to pay for first aid lessons in schools and other public spaces.