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Edoardo Bove earned 14 caps for Italy at under-21 level Watford have signed former Roma and Fiorentina midfielder Edoardo Bove on a five-and-a-half-year deal. The 23-year-old collapsed on the pitch two years ago during a loan spell with Fiorentina and was taken to intensive care. He was later fitted with a cardiac defibrillator, and has not played a senior game since then. Footballers are barred from playing in Italy with a defibrillator and Roma released him from his contract to allow him to find a club abroad. Bove told the club website, external he was "excited" at the challenge of returning to action and helping the Hornets teach the top flight. "I have been eager to get back on the pitch, and doing so with a historic club like Watford fills me with immense pride, " said Bove. "I am excited to train with my new team-mates and to play, and I cannot wait to show my gratitude for the trust that has been placed in me. " Valon Behrami, Watford's assistant sporting director, maintained the former Italy Under-21 international has a number of options available to him. "We are delighted Edoardo has chosen us over many options he had, " said Behrami. "Edoardo is a top, proven talent and he is here to help us fulfil the objective of the owner which is to challenge for a return to the Premier League. " Christian Eriksen similarly left Inter Milan in 2021 after having a defibrillator fitted following his cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark in the 2020 European Championship. Latest Watford news, analysis and fan views Listen to Watford content on BBC Sounds Slot praises Salah return on important night for both Lopez double helps Barcelona defeat Slavia Prague 'He came here for these nights' - Wissa inspires Newcastle Explaining the Beckham family fallout How do video and board games get from idea to reality? A modern take on Elizabeth George's hit crime novels How much exercise should you do? Who can join Arsenal & Bayern in Champions League knockouts? A changing man, or change the man - Mc Cullum's reckoning What does the future hold for LIV Golf after Koepka exit? England fans have 'every right to be annoyed, I made terrible mistake' - Brook 'I'm a scary sight' - Northampton's 23-stone, one-meal man Raducanu's 'most dispiriting' Slam display - what went wrong? Which countries are set to win extra Champions League places? NFL play-offs - how final four can make it to Super Bowl Jellyfish-inspired outfit steals show in Osaka win The day I discovered the Everton contract Revie never signed Is a Panenka ever the right choice for a penalty? Who will win title race between Hearts, Celtic & Rangers? Man Utd's complicated relationship with Class of 92 Results, fans, fall-outs - factors that lead to managerial pressure 'Shameful' and 'terrible look' - the chaos that marred Senegal's Afcon triumph 'Arsenal will never forgive themselves if they don't win title now' 'Abandoned' or 'business' - was Glasner right to 'attack' Palace owners? Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.