Fiorentina midfielder Edoardo Bove is out of intensive care and is progressing in his recovery, the club’s general manager has said.
Bove was taken to hospital after he collapsed on the pitch during Fiorentina’s Serie A match against Inter Milan on Sunday.
The 22-year-old has moved to a coronary care unit, Fiorentina general manager Alessandro Ferrari told Italian broadcaster Mediaset before the club hosted Empoli in the Coppa Italia.
“Edoardo is doing well, he is recovering and we are happy. We have to be patient and have respect for him. He changed [hospital] wards so things are better,” Ferrari said.
Fiorentina’s players, staff and fans produced a show of support for Bove at Stadio Artemio Franchi before the cup match on Wednesday.
The supporters showed a colourful tifo displaying Bove’s number four, while on the pitch the players and staff held banners with messages of support for their team-mate.
Empoli goalscorer Emmanuel Ekong also paid tribute to Bove, holding up four fingers to the crowd after putting the away side in front – as did Fiorentina’s Moise Kean after levelling.
After the match finished 2-2, Empoli prevailed 4-3 in a penalty shootout to reach the quarter-finals.
