Edoardo Bove (born 16 May 2002) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for English club Watford.
Early life Edoardo Bove was born in Rome. Bove's paternal family is originally from Naples, while his mother is German-Italian. Bove grew up in the quartiere of Appio-Latino, and studied at the Massimo Institute in Rome's neighborhood EUR. Subsequently, he continued his studies at Luiss 'Guido Carli', in Rome, enrolling in a degree course in Economics and Management. In an interview, Bove stated that he was inspired by Roma's former captain Daniele De Rossi.
Club career Roma Bove started playing football in the Roman club of Boreale Donorione until 2012, when he joined Roma after following a successful trial under the supervision of Bruno Conti. On 20 November 2020, Bove extended his contract with Roma until 2024.
Bove was first called up by the first team on 3 December for a Europa League match against Young Boys without making his debut. Bove made his professional debut for Roma on the 9 May 2021, replacing Ebrima Darboe in the second half of a 5–0 Serie A win against Crotone at the Stadio Olimpico. In the 2021–22 season, Bove was often called up by Roma's coach José Mourinho. He made his first Conference League match on 9 December as a starter in a 3–2 win against CSKA Sofia.
On 29 December, Roma announced that his contract would be extended until 2025. On 19 February 2022, Bove scored his first senior goal allowing Roma to draw 2–2 against Verona.
On 15 December 2023, Bove extended his contract with Roma until 2028.
Loan to Fiorentina On 30 August 2024, he joined fellow Serie A club Fiorentina on a season-long loan, with an option to make the move permanent. On 27 October, Bove scored his first goal for Fiorentina against his parent club Roma in a 5–1 home victory.
On 1 December 2024, Bove collapsed during Fiorentina’s match against Inter Milan. The following morning, journalist Matteo Dovellini for the newspaper la Repubblica reported that Bove had been "extubated", was "lucid", and had no cerebral or cardiac damage.
As a result of this event, he underwent surgery for the implantation of a subcutaneous implantable defibrillator. According to Italian regulations, with this device he is not allowed to engage in competitive sports.
On 9 January 2026, Edoardo Bove terminated his contract with Roma.
Watford On 21 January 2026, Bove signed a five-and-a-half-year contract with Watford in England's second-tier EFL Championship.
On 17 March 2026, he scored his first goal for the club in a 3–1 home victory over Wrexham.
Style of play Bove is a mezzala or trequartista who is good at offensive insertions and tactically disciplined. He also has a good technique and an eye for the goal.
During his second season at Roma, José Mourinho labeled Bove a "sick dog", due to his intensity and aggressiveness on the pitch, a nickname that quickly became popular among fans.
Personal life and other ventures Off the pitch, Bove enrolled in an economics and management course at Luiss University in Rome, studying part-time, after achieving the highest possible score on his school-leaving tests.
In 2025, he was a guest on the fifth night of the Sanremo Music Festival.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupEuropeTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsRoma2020–21Serie A1000—00102021–22Serie A11100—201312022–23Serie A22110—1013322023–24Serie A31020—121451Total65230—242924Fiorentina (loan)2024–25Serie A12100—30151Watford2025–26Championship111———1112026–27Championship500020—70Total1610020—181Career total93430202721256
Honours Roma UEFA Europa Conference League: 2021–22 UEFA Europa League runner-up: 2022–23
References
External links
Edoardo Bove at A.S. Roma