Italy Veteran Brushes Aside Controversy With Solid Display In Inter Milan Win Vs Empoli – Ex Arsenal & Cagliari Midfielders Run The Show

Francesco Acerbi brushed aside controversy with a “business as usual” performance in Inter Milan’s Serie A win over Empoli, whilst Nicolo Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan controlled the midfield.

This is the view in today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews.

It was an eventful international break for Inter defender Acerbi. That would be putting it mildly.

The 36-year-old was embroiled in a firestorm relating to his alleged racial abuse of Napoli’s Juan Jesus.

An investigation found Acerbi not guilty of using racially discriminatory language.

But that verdict did not necessarily mean that the controversy died down instantly.

Far from it, in fact. Jesus continues to insist that Acerbi used a racial slur, despite a lack of evidence uncovered by the investigation.

And in any event, the whole episode has served as an important distraction for Acerbi.

Acerbi Brushes Controversy Aside Vs Empoli – Barella & Mkhitaryan Run The Show

In the view of Tuttosport, however, there was little evidence of distraction or nerves from Acerbi against Empoli.

The 36-year-old had the task of marshalling Inter’s backline against a fairly fluid Empoli attack.

Former AC Milan striker Mbaye Niang was not an easy player for Acerbi to mark given the Senegalese international’s movement.

And the Inter back three faced a lot of threat from Empoli’s wide players in the first half.

But Acerbi stood firm in defending his penalty area, with no major errors.

Meanwhile, Tuttosport hail midfielders Barella and Mkhitaryan for their performances.

Neither of the midfield duo got on the scoresheet or assisted a goal.

But the former Cagliari and Arsenal midfielders did just about everything else.

Barella and Mkhitaryan covered just about every blade of grass between them. It was a tireless display from the pair.

And the quality was also on show, as both Inter midfielders used their efficient first touch and passing range to know when the slow down or speed up play.

And Barella, despite not bagging a goal or assist, had a heavy involvement in the moves leading to both Nerazzurri goals.