Here’s how defender Francesco, 37, has risen from Italy’s 4th division, battled depression, alcoholism and survived cancer twice to emerge an unlikely hero
Francesco Acerbi
2012-13
After playing for lower division teams Pavia, Renate, Triestina, Spezia and Reggina between 2005-2010, Acerbi joins Chievo Verona from where AC Milan picked him, but the passing of his father, saw him get into depression and alcoholism
2013
He joins Sassuolo (Div I), but is diagnosed with testicular cancer and undergoes surgery
2013
Few months later, he fails a dope test due to high hormone levels as the tumour returns
2014-18
He survives cancer again and excels for Sassuolo, also makes his debut for Italy
2018-22
Wins first major title at Lazio, the Italian Cup and two Italian Super Cups
2022-24
At 34, he is picked by Inter and becomes one of Serie A’s best centre-backs, winning the Italian league (2023-24) a Coppa Italia (2022-23) and two Italian Super Cups (2022 & 2023). He also won runners-up medal in the UCL after Inter lost to Man City in 2023
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