There were concerning scenes in Serie C this afternoon when Pergolettese coach Matteo Abbate collapsed on the touchline and was rushed to hospital.
The tactician turned 40 last month and was in the middle of a discussion with the fourth official during the game away to Vicenza when he suddenly seemed to lose his balance and collapse.
Medical staff rushed to the scene and gave first aid, but initial reports that a defibrillator was used have been denied.
Abbate was taken away on a stretcher to the nearby ambulance and swiftly to hospital, where Sky Sport Italia report he is conscious.
A statement from Pergolettese was released this evening, assuring he had only fainted and was still undergoing tests in hospital waiting to get the all-clear for a return home.
Abbate is a former player of Ancona, Piacenza, Verona and Cremonese amongst others and retired in 2018.
His health is a particular concern, as in 2021 he revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer, undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy.