Fiorentina's Bove awake after collapsing on pitch

Fiorentina midfielder Edoardo Bove joined the club on a season-long loan from Roma in the summer

Fiorentina midfielder Edoardo Bove is "awake" and "alert" after being admitted to intensive care in hospital on Sunday following his collapse on the pitch during his side's Serie A match against Inter Milan.

The match was suspended after the incident in the 16th minute before later being abandoned.

Fiorentina said that following “an uneventful night”, Bove, 22, was “awakened and extubated (having a tube removed from his windpipe) this morning” and that he was “awake" and "alert".

The Italian club added: "He has spoken with his family, club management, the coach and his team-mates, who all rushed to go and see him as soon as they heard the good news.

"Further tests will be carried out in the coming days to establish what led to the critical situation that took place."

Bove suddenly fell to the ground, causing a stoppage in play with both sets of players immediately signalling for the medical staff to enter the field before forming a protective ring around him.

He was taken away on a stretcher and put into a waiting ambulance after the referee asked both set of players to leave the pitch.

The midfielder joined Fiorentina on a season-long loan from Roma in August, with a view to make the deal permanent.

His first goal for La Viola came in October against his parent club.

The Italian has played for his country all the way up to under-21 level, but is yet to earn a senior cap.

"The doctors at Careggi University Hospital who are treating the player have confirmed that diagnostic tests are ongoing," said Fiorentina.

"Fiorentina would like to thank Careggi University Hospital and all of the doctors and staff for the wonderful humanity and professionalism they have shown."

Fiorentina subsequently confirmed Wednesday's Coppa Italia last-16 match at home against Empoli will go ahead.

The club said: "After the video call that Edoardo Bove had with all his team-mates, the coach and his staff as well as the team have decided to return to the pitch immediately and prepare for the match against Empoli on Wednesday."