Watford’s Edoardo Bove makes first appearance in 14 months since on-pitch cardiac arrest

Edoardo Bove greets his former AS Roma supporters after the Serie A match between AS Roma and Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico in May, 2025 in Rome.

Ivan Romano / Getty Images

Edoardo Bove came off the bench for Championship club Watford on Saturday in a first senior appearance since suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch in December 2004.

Bove, 23, collapsed while playing for Fiorentina against Inter Milan 14 months ago, leading the Serie A game to be abandoned.

The midfielder is not allowed to continued playing in Italy after having a cardiac defibrillator fitted and joined Watford on a free transfer in January.

The Italian midfielder was introduced in the 86th minute of Watford’s 2-2 draw at Preston North End – their first match under new head coach Edward Still, the brother of former Southampton boss, Will.

“I’m really grateful to (the staff) and the club which gave me this possibility. I’m really happy to be here,” Bove told Watford’s club website.

“I have to be honest, I didn’t watch football at first. Even seeing kids playing with a ball was making me feel a little bit angry!

“After that, I started to watch games, to watch my friends and my ex-teammates playing, or one of my best friends Flavio Cobolli who plays tennis.

“Watching them go through difficulties made me think I can do it, and it made me start to fight to come back again. The support I’ve had has helped me through difficulties and given me the power to come back.

“I always say that I never felt alone and this kind of power from all the people across the world gave me the possibility to be here. I have to say thank you for this.”

Prior to his collapse, Bove had played in all 11 of Fiorentina’s league games he had been available for in 2024-25, having joined the club on loan from Roma. After coming through Roma’s academy, Bove played 92 matches for his boyhood club before departing. He was also an Italy Under-21 international.

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