Francesco Acerbi is on the verge of capping a long and tumultuous career with the ultimate club football prize, having overcome cancer, depression, and alcoholism to become a crucial figure in Inter Milan’s march to the Champions League final.
Now 37, the seasoned Italy international delivered one of the most dramatic moments of Inter’s campaign — a stoppage-time equaliser in the semi-final second leg against Barcelona. In a tie already steeped in drama, Acerbi’s first-ever Champions League goal felt like destiny, arriving just as Inter’s hopes seemed to be slipping away.
As the oldest player in a battle-hardened squad, Acerbi’s goal symbolised the grit and resilience that has defined Inter’s journey through epic clashes with Barcelona (4-3 win and 3-3 draw) and Bayern Munich.
“It was a really special moment. I could feel that something changed when the ball hit the net,” said midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu. “That was when we truly believed we could win.”
Despite his age, Acerbi remains Simone Inzaghi’s go-to man in the heart of Inter’s three-man defence, and he’s expected to start the final against Paris Saint-Germain in Munich on May 31.
Acerbi’s story is one of perseverance against the odds. His career nearly derailed after his father’s death during his brief spell at AC Milan over a decade ago. He fell into depression, lost motivation, and turned to alcohol. Then came two battles with testicular cancer — a turning point that changed his outlook on life.
“After my dad died, I crashed,” he said in a 2019 interview. “I was at Milan and nothing stimulated me. I didn’t even know how to play anymore. I drank everything. Cancer saved me. It gave me something to fight for again. I stopped dreaming; now I set achievable goals.”
His resurgence has been remarkable. This season earned him a recall to the Italy national team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Moldova — his first call-up since March 2024.
However, controversy briefly returned earlier this year when he was accused of racially abusing Napoli’s Juan Jesus during a heated match. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) dropped the case due to a lack of evidence, sparking outrage from Napoli and bitter disappointment from Jesus, who had expected Acerbi to face a 10-match ban that would have ended his season.
Acerbi later missed Euro 2024 due to injury, and recurring hamstring issues plagued the first half of this season. But the veteran defender has bounced back once more, becoming a cornerstone of Inter’s historic run.
Now, just one step from Champions League glory, Acerbi stands as a symbol of redemption and resilience — a warrior forged in adversity, ready to lead Inter Milan to an era-defining triumph.
