Edoardo Bove is on the verge of returning to the field. Unlike his recent appearances from the bench in Florence, the results of his latest medical tests are “negative” – in the most positive sense of the term, signaling good health.
The young midfielder conducted these examinations in complete privacy, assisted by his family and entourage. All results indicate that Edoardo can resume his football career. Only a final fitness test remains, considered a formality, though one to be approached with all due caution. This news was unexpected, even though Bove has always maintained his optimism, politely declining suggestions to prematurely embark on a managerial or technical career.
The Incident
Giving up at just 23 years old is unthinkable. Seven months after a terrifying scare, Bove can finally smile. On that unfortunate evening, in the 14th minute of the first half of Fiorentina-Inter, Edoardo experienced a medical emergency. The diagnosis was stark: cardiac arrest, followed by immediate on-field resuscitation and an ambulance transfer to Careggi hospital.
A few days later, Bove underwent surgery to implant a subcutaneous cardiac defibrillator. In recent months, he had been able to sit on the bench to support Fiorentina thanks to a special dispensation, and upon his return to the Stadio Olimpico, he was cheered by Roma fans. Bove was weeping, more from the pain of not being able to reciprocate their affection than from emotion, and above all, from the fear of never being able to play and score again, as he had done in that Europa League semi-final against Leverkusen.
Italy or Abroad?
So, what`s next? On July 1st, Edoardo will return to Roma, as per his contract, since Fiorentina did not meet the appearance threshold for the mandatory buy-out clause. However, both clubs will grant the young player full decision-making power, offering him three possible paths: a transfer abroad, staying at Roma, or another year on loan at Fiorentina, but with the risk of further waiting before he can play.
Current regulations, in fact, would allow him to play without issues abroad, as was the case with Eriksen. In Italy, the situation is different, but in recent months, the bureaucratic process has accelerated. Maurizio Casasco, president of the Italian Sports Medicine Federation, has been contacted by the Minister for Sport, Andrea Abodi, with the aim of amending the rules regarding defibrillators, aligning them with those of other countries. The intention is to permit players with an implanted subcutaneous defibrillator to take the field, assuming their own responsibilities, just as is done in England.
