Bove Returns to Fiorentina Bench, Bringing Positive Energy

Fiorentina coach Raffaele Palladino has welcomed midfielder Edoardo Bove back to the team bench for the first time since his medical emergency three weeks ago. Palladino expressed his happiness at having Bove present, saying “Edo must always be by our side, because he is a piece of our heart. He brings great positive energy to the locker room.”

Bove collapsed on the pitch on December 1st and was hospitalized. He has since been released with an implanted defibrillator that may be removed if he is cleared to resume his Serie A career. For today’s match against Udinese, Bove will be watching from the bench at Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Palladino also explained some lineup changes for the match, including resting Albert Gudmundsson who recently returned from injury. Lucas Beltran will start in his place. Young defender Michael Kayode gets an opportunity at right back with Dodo suspended.

Fiorentina are looking to bounce back after their 8-game Serie A win streak was snapped by Bologna. They are coming off a 1-1 Europa Conference League draw against Vitoria Guimaraes on Thursday which secured their place in the Round of 16.

Palladino emphasized the team is focused on their own progress rather than other clubs, saying “We must focus on our own journey with victories, performances and also defeats that we can learn from. I asked the team for a solid performance, to work together, as we want to make our fans happy.”