FIORENTINA’S Serie A clash against Inter Milan has been abandoned after Edoardo Bove collapsed on the pitch.
The horrible scenes occurred in the 15th minute of the match.
Players and staff formed a wall around the midfielder while medical staff tended to the 22-year-old.
Team-mates and rivals alike were seen crying and with their hands on their heads as the terrifying ordeal played out.
Bove was then taken off by stretcher before being placed in an ambulance and taken to Careggi hospital.
Referee Daniele Doveri later told players to leave the pitch, with the match suspended due to the medical emergency.
A Fiorentina statement read: “ACF Fiorentina and the Careggi University Hospital have announced that footballer Edoardo Bove, who was treated on the pitch following a loss of consciousness during the Fiorentina v Inter match, is currently under sedation and is hospitalised in intensive care.
“The Viola player arrived at the emergency department in stable haemodynamic conditions and initial cardiological and neurological tests have ruled out acute damage to the central nervous system and the cardio-respiratory system.
“Bove will be re-evaluated in the next 24 hrs.”
Bove was seen bending down and tying his laces before standing up.
After taking a few steps forward, he suddenly collapsed.
Bove is on loan at Fiorentina from Roma, where he came through the academy.
A Serie A statement on the fixture said: “The match will not resume and is postponed to a date to be determined.
“With the game interrupted, Bove collapsed to the ground and the situation immediately appeared very serious.
“An ambulance took the player away.”
He was joined by Fiorentina manager Raffaele Palladino at the hospital shortly after, before his father and the mayor of Florence, Sara Funaro, also arrived at the hospital to show their support.
Former Manchester United star David de Gea, who joined Fiorentina earlier this season, released a statement on social media praying for Bove’s health.
He said: “God please,” followed by a praying hands emoji.
Italian tennis player Flavio Cobolli, who is said to be a good friend of Bove since his time at Roma posted a story on Instagram saying: “Come on my friend,” followed by a heart emoji.
TNT Sports commentator Adam Summerton said: “Thoughts with Edoardo Bove & all at Fiorentina.”
Former Roma team-mate Tammy Abraham said: “Praying for you brother.”
AS Roma said: “One of us, we are all with you.”
A statement from Inter Milan president, Beppe Marotta said: “The focus is on the health of a 22-year-old boy, we have absolutely not addressed the issue of when the match will be played.
“We will think about it later, now the focus is only on Bove’s health.”
Italian outlet Repubblica reports Bove’s illness was caused by an epileptic fit which led to a cardiac arrest on the pitch.
He will now undergo a CT scan.
