Fiorentina star to be banned from playing in Italy after on-pitch cardiac arrest

He may be forced to retire from playing football in his home country because of a strict Serie A rule.

An Italian footballer who suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch could be prevented from ever playing top-flight football in his home country again because of a strict rule.

Edoardo Bove was rushed to hospital after falling to the floor untouched in the 16th minute of the game, which was subsequently abandoned.

The 22-year-old, who is currently recovering in hospital after last week's incident, will be fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) - the same device Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen has had since he also suffered a cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark at Euro 2020.

The ICD is connected to the heart by wires and sends an electrical pulse in order to correct irregular rhythms. 

As English football fans will know, the incredible piece of equipment has allowed the Danish playmaker to continue playing football at the highest level in the game, and he remains a regular starter for last year's FA Cup winners.

However, Bove might not get the same opportunity, as Italy bans players at both amateur and professional level from competing if they have any significant heart abnormalities. 

Serie A rules prevent players from playing in competitive games with a defibrillator, meaning a Fiorentina exit is almost certain, but Bove could theoretically continue his career in another country. 

This law would force Bove to seek a playing career elsewhere if he wishes to continue his career on the pitch following a full recovery.

Fiorentina's general manager Alessandro Ferrari has now confirmed that Bove's recovery is progressing well and that the midfielder has moved out of intensive care to another unit of the hospital.

"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 told Italian broadcaster Mediaset ahead of Fiorentina's cup clash with Empoli on Wednesday.

Before the Coppa Italia match, which saw Empoli triumph 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw between the two sides, Fiorentina's staff, players and fans showed their support for Bove in heartfelt scenes at the Artemio Franchi Stadium. 

The spectators produced a tifo display in honour of Bove, colourfully exhibiting a banner with the No 4 - his kit number - while others held scarves aloft to express their support.

Fiorentina's players held up banners on the pitch ahead of kick-off, with one reading: 'Now we'll wait for you.'

Bove joined Fiorentina on a season-long loan from Roma in the summer with the option to make the move permanent and has made 14 appearances to date.

An Italy international, Bove has played for his country at every age group up to the Under-21s but is yet to receive a call-up to the senior set-up.