Lecce winger Lameck Banda collapses on pitch during defeat by Napoli
Lecce forward Lameck Banda has been taken to hospital after collapsing on the pitch during the closing stages of a 2-1 Serie A defeat by Napoli.
The 25-year-old fell to the turf late in the second half at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, prompting an immediate halt to play.
Medics rushed onto the field to attend to the Zambia international in distressing scenes for players and supporters alike.
Banda was eventually carried off on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance while receiving supportive applause from the home crowd.
Reports from Sky Sports Italy indicate the winger remained conscious throughout the ordeal and will undergo precautionary tests.
Conte alerts medical staff
The incident occurred as the visiting side prepared to take a free-kick in a dangerous area while searching for a late equaliser.
Napoli manager Antonio Conte was among the first to notice the player struggling to breathe and frantically alerted the Lecce medical team.
Italian broadcaster DAZN reported that Banda had sustained a blow to the chest approximately 40 seconds before he collapsed.
Despite the terrifying nature of the incident, it is understood the attacker never lost consciousness.
Napoli complete comeback victory
Prior to the medical emergency, the hosts had fought back from an early deficit to secure all three points.
Jamil Siebert had given the away side a shock lead in the third minute of the contest.
However, second-half strikes from Rasmus Hojlund and Matteo Politano turned the game around for the Neapolitans.
