Edoardo Bove convinces Fiorentina team-mates to return to action in Coppa Italia tie on Wednesday as midfielder ‘laughs and jokes’ from hospital after on-pitch collapse

Bove is no longer in danger after the 22-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest during Sunday's game against Inter Milan. The Roma loanee is still under observation at Careggi Hospital as tests continue, but Fiorentina general manager Alessandro Ferrari gave a positive update on Bove after the Fiorentina squad and top brass visited him in the hospital on Monday. The Italian midfielder also urged his team-mates to return to the field for the Coppa Italia clash against Empoli on Wednesday.

Speaking to Sky Italia, Ferrari said: "[Bove] managed to talk to the team, he convinced them to play on Wednesday [against Empoli in the Coppa Italia]. "We will take to the field immediately on Wednesday because there is a desire to get back to life quickly, thanks also to the enthusiasm that Edoardo has transmitted to us.

"We are much happier and more relaxed than yesterday. We saw the boy this morning, we spoke to him together, he is lucid, alert, with his desire to laugh and joke. The situation obviously must remain under control, it is something that will have to continue in the coming days, but the boy is fine."

Reports have suggested that the 22-year-old did not suffer any sort of acute cardiac, neurological, or respiratory damage after the incident, which saw him collapse on the pitch in the first half. Additionally, the Italian publication, Ansa, also revealed that Bove had to be resuscitated on the way to the hospital in the ambulance.

The 22-year-old will remain under hospital care until he's cleared to leave by doctors. Bove's team-mates will be in action against Empoli in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday, December 4.