Why the Inter Milan transfer for Anan Khalaili collapsed: Italy’s strict cardiac screening rules
The Israeli midfielder failed additional cardiac exams in Milan, but why does Serie A enforce more rigorous heart checks than other European leagues?
- July 13, 2026
Anan Khalaili’s transfer to Inter Milan hit an unexpected roadblock after he failed to clear enhanced cardiac examinations at Humanitas Hospital in Rozzano, near Milan. While initial medical tests had proceeded without issue over the weekend, the additional screenings revealed concerns that derailed the deal. Though specific results remain confidential, this incident highlights a key difference in Italian football’s medical protocols compared to other leagues.
Every professional footballer in Italy must undergo comprehensive medical evaluations at accredited sports medicine centers. When preliminary tests raise any concerns, athletes face deeper scrutiny—often focusing on cardiac assessments. The final verdict isn’t left to clubs or players but to an independent medical body, leaving no room for negotiation if a player is deemed unfit.
A protocol rooted in strict regulation
These stringent rules trace back to 1982, when Italy’s Ministry of Health designated specialized centers for elite athlete screenings. A 1995 decree further tightened protocols, mandating advanced cardiac evaluations, including echocardiograms and stress tests. “Our approach may seem harsh, but it’s a matter of ethics,” explains Paolo Zeppilli, a former sports medicine professor and cardiologist for the Italian Football Federation. “No athlete should risk their life on the field. Other leagues would benefit from adopting similar standards.”
High-profile cases underscore the stakes
Two recent incidents illustrate the gravity of these measures. Italian midfielder Edoardo Bove and Danish star Christian Eriksen both suffered cardiac arrests during play—Bove in Serie A, Eriksen at Euro 2021. Neither returned to Italian football due to the league’s strict clearance policies, though Eriksen later resumed his career in England, where regulations differ. Tragically, Eriksen experienced another cardiac episode in June while playing for Denmark.
More Stories
Sama Lukonde champions DRC’s ecological role at APF Yaoundé amid regional tensions
Lucas Digne’s surprise return to PSG: the behind-the-scenes of a carefully planned move
Barcola’s PSG future in focus amid world cup ambitions