Bove makes first Watford appearance over a year since collapse | OneFootball

Edoardo Bove has returned to the field for the first time since the cardiac arrest playing for Fiorentina in December 2024, making his debut for Watford.

The 23-year-old came off the bench for the closing minutes of today’s 2-2 English Championship draw away to Preston North End.

Bove career begins again in England

Edoardo Bove presented as new Watford player

The midfielder came up through the Roma youth academy and was on loan at Fiorentina when he suddenly collapsed during their Serie A match with Inter at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

He was revived on the field and rushed to the local hospital, where after tests, he received an implanted cardiac defibrillator.

FLORENCE, ITALY – DECEMBER 1: Edoardo Bove of ACF Fiorentina is taken by ambulance during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and FC Internazionale at Stadio Artemio Franchi on December 1, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

The Italian rules mean that any athlete with this type of implant is banned from participating in professional sport, which is why Christian Eriksen was forced to leave Inter after a similar situation when representing Denmark at EURO 2024.

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