The Serie A match between Fiorentina and Inter Milan was halted on Sunday after midfielder Edoardo Bove collapsed unexpectedly, according to a statement from Serie A to AFP.

Bove was immediately transported to Careggi Hospital in Florence via ambulance, leaving players and spectators visibly distressed. The incident occurred just 16 minutes into the game, which was scoreless at the time.

Serie A announced that the match would be rescheduled, though no new date has been determined.

In a joint statement with the hospital, Fiorentina reported that the 22-year-old was under sedation in the intensive care unit and had arrived in stable condition. Preliminary tests ruled out major damage to his central nervous system and cardio-respiratory functions. Further evaluations are planned within 24 hours.

The scene evoked painful memories for Fiorentina fans, recalling the sudden death of their former captain Davide Astori in 2018. Astori, aged 31, passed away in his sleep before a league match against Udinese.

Similar incidents have occurred recently in Serie A. In April, Roma’s defender Evan Ndicka collapsed during a match against Udinese. Initially feared to be a heart attack, it was later revealed to be a collapsed lung. Ndicka recovered, and Roma eventually won that game 2-1.

Sunday’s match had started with Fiorentina and Inter tied at 28 points, trailing league leaders Napoli, who secured a 1-0 win over Torino earlier in the day. Despite Bove’s collapse, Serie A confirmed that the late match between Lecce and Juventus would proceed as scheduled.