Why Fiorentina vs. Inter begins in the 17th minute | OneFootball

Fiorentina host Inter in a rearranged Serie A fixture at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Thursday night, but the game will begin with a throw-in, with the clock starting on the 17th minute. Here’s why.

You can follow the action from tonight’s game on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Why Fiorentina vs. Inter begins in minute 17

FLORENCE, ITALY – DECEMBER 1: Edoardo Bove of ACF Fiorentina is taken by ambulance during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and FC Internazionale at Stadio Artemio Franchi on December 1, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Fiorentina-Inter originally began on December 1, but was abandoned in the 17th minute after Edoardo Bove collapsed on the pitch. He was rushed to hospital, admitted to intensive care and was discharged 12 days later after having an internal defibrillator fitted.

This Thursday was the first available slot for the game to be replayed.

As is customary when Serie A matches are abandoned midway through, the game will restart exactly where it left off, which in this instance, will be a Fiorentina throw-in in the 17th minute.

There are also strict regulations over which players are eligible to play. Changes to the matchday squad and starting XI are permitted, but players who joined the teams after the original fixture kicked off are not allowed to play.

That means no Nicola Zalewski for the Nerazzurri, and no Pablo Mari, Nicolo Fagioli, Michael Folorunsho, Cher Ndour or Nicolo Zaniolo for the Viola. All of those players switched teams during the January transfer window.

‘Kick-off’ is due at 19.45 GMT.