Edoardo Bove, midfielder for Fiorentina, made an emotional return to the team bench during their match against Udinese, merely 22 days after suffering a serious medical incident. This unexpected appearance required special authorization due to existing Italian football regulations.

On December 1st, Bove collapsed during a Serie A match against Inter at the Stadio Franchi, necessitating immediate hospitalization. His presence on the bench for the Udinese game marked his first return to the stadium since that frightening event.

Initially expected to watch from the stands, Bove surprisingly took his place on the bench alongside coach Raffaele Palladino. This arrangement was only possible through a special dispensation granted by Lega Serie A, allowing him to be with his teammates both on the sidelines and in the locker room.

The need for this special permission stems from Bove’s recent fitting with an implanted defibrillator. Under current Italian regulations, players with such devices are prohibited from participating in sporting activities. This rule has notably affected other players in the past, such as Christian Eriksen, who had to leave Inter in 2021 due to similar circumstances.

For Bove to continue his playing career in Italy, he would need to either have the defibrillator removed or consider playing abroad where regulations are less stringent. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by athletes dealing with cardiac issues in professional sports.