Bove makes first Watford appearance over one year after cardiac arrest | OneFootball

Edoardo Bove made his first appearance since suffering a cardiac arrest in December 2024, debuting for Watford after more than a year out.

According to Football Italia, the 23-year-old came on in the closing minutes of today’s 2-2 Championship draw away to Preston North End.

The midfielder, a Roma academy graduate, was on loan at Fiorentina when he collapsed during a Serie A match with Inter at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. He was revived on the pitch and taken to hospital, where tests led to the implantation of a cardiac defibrillator.

Italian regulations bar athletes with this type of implant from professional sport, which is why Christian Eriksen left Inter after a similar situation while representing Denmark at EURO 2024.

Last month, Bove terminated his Roma contract by mutual consent and joined Watford as a free agent.

His move marks a fresh start in England.

Source: Football Italia