Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi, 37, became the hero of the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona. He scored a dramatic 93rd-minute goal that tied the score and sent the game into extra time. Although Davide Frattezzi scored the winning goal to send Inter through to the final, Acerbi’s strike symbolized those two incredible games.
Born in 1988 in the Milan suburbs, Acerbi has overcome many challenges throughout his career, both on and off the pitch. His path to San Siro, the venue where he scored his historic goal, was fraught with difficulties, including cancer, depression, and alcoholism.
Football journey
Acerbi began his career in 2006 with Serie C side Pavia before moving to Serie D with the club Renate. He passed through many clubs: Spezia, Regina, Genoa, and Chievo, where he debuted in the top flight. In 2012, Milan acquired him, but six months later, he returned to Genoa and played again on loan at Chievo.
Acerbi found stability only in 2013 when he spent five seasons at Sassuolo. He then played for Lazio for four years, and in 2022, he joined Inter on loan. The transfer became permanent the following summer. In total, he changed club registration 14 times.
Personal struggle
The biggest challenges in Acerbi’s life were related to health. While playing for “Milan,” his father died, which led to depression and alcohol addiction. In 2013, “Sassuolo” After the move, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. After surgery, he returned to the field, but an anti-doping test showed abnormalities related to the cancer returning. In early 2014, he underwent chemotherapy.
Acerbi admitted to La Repubblica in 2019 that cancer had “saved” him from depression and alcoholism. “It made me start life again, forget my fears, and focus on simple goals,” he said.
International career
Given his health problems, it is surprising that Acerbi made his debut for the Italian national team the same year he was undergoing chemotherapy. In 2020, he won the European Championship, playing against Austria. He played 34 matches in total, but in 2024, he was dropped from the national team due to allegations of racist comments towards Napoli player Juan Jesus. The court ruled to close the case due to a lack of evidence.
Heroism against Barcelona
Acherbi, who plays defense and scores in attack, scored his first goal in 66 games in the European competition against Barcelona. His goal, scored with his right foot, shocked everyone despite being left-handed. After the goal, he removed his shirt, showing off his tattooed body, and celebrated the moment with wild joy.
Now, Acerbi is one game away from his dream of winning the Champions League for Inter. His story, full of struggle and triumph, inspires everyone.
