Fiorentina’s match against Udinese this evening will carry special significance as midfielder Edoardo Bove returns to the Artemio Franchi stadium for the first time since his frightening collapse during the game against Inter Milan on December 1st.
Gazzetta dello Sport report how Bove, who suffered a medical emergency in the 17th minute of that match, will be in the stands to support his teammates. His presence is expected to evoke a powerful emotional response from the Fiorentina faithful, who have consistently chanted his name in solidarity during his absence.
For manager Raffaele Palladino and the players on the pitch, having Bove in attendance will add an extra layer of motivation. The midfielder is likely to be seated near the club’s general manager, Alessandro Ferrari, in the VIP section.
While Bove has been a constant presence at the Viola Park training facility and team meetings since his hospitalization, this marks his first return to the stadium where he was a key player for Fiorentina in the early part of the season. During his recovery, Bove has not missed watching a single match of his teammates, whether from his hospital bed at Careggi, where he had a subcutaneous defibrillator implanted, or from home.
The team has rallied around Bove throughout his ordeal. In their Coppa Italia match against Empoli on December 4th, at Bove’s own urging, the squad took to the field with a banner expressing their support for their sidelined teammate.
