Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi has been praised for his “monumental” performance at the back in the Nerazzurri’s Champions League semifinal second leg victory over AC Milan.
Today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport awarded the 35-year-old with a score of 7/10 for his display in the player ratings for the match published in today’s print edition, via FCInterNews.
Inter kept yet another clean sheet yesterday evening.
This was their fourth consecutive Milan derby without conceding a goal. Moreover, the Nerazzurri have also kept a clean sheet in five out of the six Champions League knockout matches they’ve played in.
This is partly down to the effort and organization of the entire team.
However, for Tuttosport, special credit must be given to Acerbi.
The 35-year-old hardly put a foot wrong in defense. It was the kind of physical, right-place-at-the-right-time performance in the heart of Inter’s back three that fans have come to expect from Acerbi this season.
The defender, currently at Inter on loan, made sure that the influence of Rossoneri striker Olivier Giroud was minimal. This played a key role in the Nerazzurri’s overall defensive display.
Without the Rossoneri’s main striker being able to get involved in play, they looked disjointed in the final third.
Inter Defender Acerbi The Unsung Hero Against AC Kolan
Acerbi has been putting in displays like this all season. The 35-year-old has now established himself as clearly first-choice in the centre of Inter’s defense ahead of Stefan de Vrij.
Once again, the Nerazzurri got a win that would have been unthinkable without Acerbi’s efforts, Tuttosport contends.
Meanwhile, the Turin-based newspaper name match-winner Lautaro Martinez as the best player on the pitch.
The Argentine was everywhere in attack, putting in a battling display holding up the ball between the lines.
Martinez was rewarded for his performance with the match’s only goal, and with a 7.5/10 score from Tuttosport.
