Fiorentina’s match with Inter Milan in Serie A was suspended on Sunday after midfielder Edoardo Bove suddenly collapsed to the ground.

Bove was rushed to Florence’s Careggi hospital in an ambulance as players and fans looked on in horror following his sudden fall in the 16th minute of the game.

The match was suspended after the incident before later being abandoned.

A statement issued by Fiorentina after the incident said 22-year-old Bove ” is currently under pharmacological sedation and hospitalised in intensive care”.

The Italian club said he will be re-evaluated in the next 24 hours.

The club stated: “ACF Fiorentina and the Careggi University Hospital announce that the footballer Edoardo Bove, who was treated on the pitch following a loss of consciousness during the Fiorentina – Inter match, is currently under pharmacological sedation and hospitalized in intensive care.

“The Viola footballer arrived at the emergency room in stable hemodynamic conditions and the first cardiological and neurological tests performed have ruled out acute damage to the central nervous system and the cardio-respiratory system.

“Edoardo Bove will be re-evaluated in the next 24 hours.”

Bove suddenly fell to the ground, causing a stoppage in play with both sets of players immediately signalling for the medical staff to enter the field before forming a protective ring around him.

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He was taken away on a stretcher and put into a waiting ambulance after the referee asked all players to leave the pitch.

The midfielder joined Fiorentina on a season-long loan from Roma in August, with a view to make the deal permanent.

His first goal for La Viola came in October against his parent club.

The Italian has played for his country all the way up to under-21 level, but is yet to earn a senior cap.

Fiorentina are third in Serie A, level on points with Inter.

Fiorentina President Rocco Commisso said: “Forza Edoardo, we’re with you. You’re a strong boy with a great character. We’re reaching out to his family during these moments.”

Inter President Giuseppe Marotta said: “Inter and the entire football world express their closeness to Bove’s family and Fiorentina.

“The decision to postpone the match was spontaneous on everyone’s part, we are a community, all the players and even the referee were emotionally involved. We hope it is nothing serious.”

His parent club, Roma, also added on X: “One of us, we are all with you.”

Serie A said on its official X account: “Forza Edoardo. We’re all with you.”

The Star