Edoardo Bove: Fiorentina star conscious and responsive in hospital having avoided serious damage in positive update after terrifying on-field collapse during Serie A clash with Inter

The 22-year-old midfielder, who is spending time in Florence on loan from Roma, went down unchallenged in the 16th minute of the Serie A fixture at Stadio Artemio Franchi on Sunday. The game was stopped as players formed a wall around Bove and allowed him to receive medical attention.

The Italy Under-21 international was rushed to hospital by ambulance, leaving several team-mates in tears as the decision was taken to suspend a sporting contest in the Italian top flight. Fiorentina went on release a statement in which it was revealed that Bove was “currently under pharmacological sedation and hospitalised in intensive care”.

La Repubblica are among those to report that Bove has suffered “no brain or heart damage” after losing consciousness. In a positive update on Bove’s condition, the club has confirmed the night went well and Bove has been taken off ventilation. He has spoken to his family and been visited by his team-mates, with further tests scheduled to established what caused him to collapse.

La Repubblica reports that the Italian's first words were “thank you all”, with well wishes and messages of support having flooded in from across the wider footballing community. Diagnostic tests are ongoing, but it may be some time before Bove is playing again.