Udinese vs. Roma match in Italy abandoned after player collapses

Evan Ndicka goes down in 2nd half to be taken off on stretcher; Roma defender ‘feeling better,’ club confirms

An Italian football match on Sunday between Udinese and Roma was suspended after the latter club’s defender Evan Ndicka collapsed on the pitch after experiencing chest pains.

“Following Evan Ndicka’s illness on the pitch, #UdineseRoma was suspended. The player is conscious and was transported to hospital for checks. Forza (Come on) Evan, we’re all with you!” Serie A club Roma wrote on X.

“We are with you, Ndicka,” Udinese said on social media.

The 24-year-old Ivorian central defender went down in the second half of the match in Udine to be taken off on a stretcher.

The match was 1-1 at the time, with nearly 20 minutes remaining.

The Roma squad visited their teammate at the hospital, the club said.

“Evan is feeling better and is in good spirits. He will remain in the hospital for further observations,” Roma said hours after the Udinese game.

Ndicka, who was born in Paris, joined Roma on a free transfer in July 2023 after spending five years with German Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt.

He helped Eintracht Frankfurt win a UEFA Europa League title in 2022 and sealed the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast in February this year.