Watch: Bove in tears as Roma fans salute Stadio Olimpico return after collapse | OneFootball

The end of Roma’s home game against Fiorentina was marked by an emotional moment as the entire stadium applauded former midfielder Edoardo Bove on his first return to the Stadio Olimpico since his on-pitch collapse that shocked the footballing world last December.

The Giallorossi won 1-0 in a balanced match, with the 22-year-old watching from his team’s bench.

epa12073446 Roma’s coach Claudio Ranieri looks on during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina, in Rome, Italy, 04 May 2025. EPA-EFE/ANGELO CARCONI

Bove moved to tears as Roma fans honour his return to Stadio Olimpico

After the final whistle, Bove walked onto the pitch, making his way to the Curva Sud while the fans paid tribute to him with chants of ‘Come on, Edoardo’ and a banner reading: ‘Edoardo, don’t give up, keep dreaming.’

Although the player has expressed his desire to return to competitive football in June, he would be ineligible to play in Serie A due to the defibrillator implanted in him, though it can still be removed.

Edoardo Bove of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and FC Internazionale at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 6, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Currently on loan at Fiorentina, Bove is a product of Roma’s youth academy. He made his Giallorossi debut under Paulo Fonseca, and José Mourinho later made him a regular starter, a status he preserved under Daniele De Rossi.