TMW Radio
Pino Capuaprofessor and president of the FIGC anti-doping commission as well as member of the federal medical commission which deals with the protection of the health of Italian football, gave his opinion to TMW Radioduring Maracanaon the case of Edoardo Bovewho underwent surgery to apply a lifesaver under the skin:
“It is a harmless and subcutaneous apparatus. I don’t know exactly the whole process and how much has been done, but it is a device that is not allowed in Italy to obtain a pass to play. It is certainly a lifesaver that is put in place. Should Italy conform to European legislation? Very delicate topic. Because in Italy medical-sports visits are mandatory. You need a certification to compete. In foreign countries there is no obligation and the responsibility lies with the athlete, who goes onto the field at his own risk: the rigor of Italian legislation is due to the fact that they want there to be no risks.
There are many facets that need to be evaluated. I personally would think today that I would have the responsibility of sending someone back onto the field who had Bove’s trauma. If there was the possibility of being able to remove the defibrillator in a little while when we are sure that the heart is healthy again, because it is possible, then sporting ability can be restored.”