Francesco Acerbi
Updated: Wikipedia source
Francesco Acerbi (Italian pronunciation: [franˈtʃesko aˈtʃɛrbi]; born 10 February 1988) is an Italian professional footballer who plays primarily as a centre-back for Serie A club Inter Milan and the Italy national team. He is known for his strength, hard-tackling and aerial ability. Acerbi began his senior playing career with fifth-tier Pavia in 2006 before signing with Serie B side Reggina in 2010: a year later, Acerbi joined Serie A club Chievo, following a co-ownership transfer agreement involving Genoa, for €2 million. After a brief period with AC Milan in 2012, Acerbi returned to Chievo on loan in 2013, following another co-ownership transfer agreement also involving Genoa. He then permanently signed for newly-promoted Serie A club Sassuolo but was ruled out of his debut season after being treated for testicular cancer: he returned to playing in 2014. In 2018, Acerbi transferred to Lazio, where he won the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana. In 2022, he joined Inter Milan, and has gone on to win one Serie A title, another Coppa Italia, two Supercoppas Italiana, and reached the 2023 and 2025 UEFA Champions League final. Acerbi played for the Italian national team on three occasions in friendly games before making his competitive debut in 2019. He has gone on to win UEFA Euro 2020.