Edoardo Bove's first words as Fiorentina star awake and responsive following collapse

Italian football was rocked on Sunday night when Edoardo Bove collapsed during Fiorentina's clash against Inter Milan.

The 22-year-old was rushed off the pitch in an ambulance after falling to the ground with no one around him early in the first-half. Referee Daniele Doveri immediately halted play as the midfielder received urgent medical attention on the pitch from paramedics. Players of both teams were visibly distraught as they formed a protective wall around the Italian, who joined Fiorentina on a season-long loan from Roma in August.

Bove's heartbroken teammates and rivals were soon led off the pitch as the suspended Serie A fixture was eventually abandoned at 0-0. Fiorentina released an update on his condition last night, saying the player was "currently under pharmacological sedation and hospitalised in intensive care".

And this afternoon, the Florence outfit have shared hugely positive news by confirming that Bove is awake and responsive. Various reports in Italy also state that Bove has suffered "no brain or heart damage" after losing consciousness.

A club statement read: "ACF Fiorentina announces that Edoardo Bove, after spending a quiet night, was awakened and extubated this morning. He is currently awake, alert and oriented. He spoke with his family, the Viola management, the coach and his teammates who rushed to see him as soon as they received the good news.

"Further tests will be carried out in the next few days to establish the causes that led to the critical situation that occurred yesterday. From Careggi, the doctors treating the footballer confirm that the diagnostic investigations are continuing. Fiorentina thanks the Careggi University Hospital, all the doctors and staff for the work carried out with