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BBC News
3 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
How Acerbi beat cancer, alcohol abuse and depression to star for Inter
Francesco Acerbi's story really has all it takes to be a fable. It starts from afar, has an animal with human characteristics as its protagonist - in this case a lion - with its vices and virtues. And like any fable worthy of its name, it ends with a is a story of sacrifice, resilience and perseverance - one that has seen Acerbi battle with alcohol and depression following the death of his father, twice overcome testicular cancer, and climb the footballing pyramid as a relative veteran to become an unlikely Champions League hero for Inter Milan at the age of was the centre-back's 93rd-minute equaliser in the semi-final second leg against Barcelona that sent the tie to extra time, with Inter eventually winning 7-6 on threw himself on a cross from the right and slotted the ball in behind Wojciech Szczesny."It was his intuition, I didn't say anything to him," said Inter boss Simone Inzaghi with a smile after the Carlos Augusto told BBC Sport: "I thank him for finding the strength to go into the box at that moment. He has a great story off the pitch too, Ace simply never gives up."On that night, Acerbi scored his first goal in 65 appearances across Uefa club competitions. He had 46 touches, only one of which was in the opponent's box. And with his weaker right foot, too."He is a defender, but he scored like a real striker. There is something magical and fabulous in what he did," added fellow centre-back Stefan de Vrij. 'I was sick and would drink anything' Born in Vizzolo Predabissi, a village 15 miles away from San Siro and the site of his so-far most iconic moment, Acerbi's sporting history began in 2006 at nearby Pavia in Serie a loan spell at Renate in Serie D, Acerbi began touring Italy with moves to Reggina, Genoa and Chievo, where he made his Serie A debut and emerged as one of the most promising defenders in the Milan, the club he had supported since childhood, took notice of his qualities. In 2012 he made a permanent move to the Rossoneri where, however, things did not turn out as had a problem, which in turn triggered others - an unresolved relationship with his father, his first admirer but also his first critic."He wanted to do me good, but without meaning to, he would go so far as to hurt me," Acerbi recently said of his father's constant Franchini, the psychotherapist who helped Acerbi make peace with his father over the years, said: "He was his number one fan, but also his number one pain in the neck. He was always pointing out the mistakes he made."Now, when Acerbi raises his arms to the sky at the start of each game, he does it for him, but his has been a long father died shortly after his move to AC Milan. Acerbi lost his balance and fell into depression."Already at the beginning of my career I didn't really have the right attitude for a professional player," he later said."I would often arrive tipsy at trainings, without having fully recovered from the night before. I was physically strong, and that was enough for me."As my father died, however, I hit rock bottom. I no longer had any drive and could no longer play. I was sick and would drink anything."After just six months, the Rossoneri loaned him back to Chievo, then he moved on again to Sassuolo at the end of the season. Shortly after, during a medical check-up in July 2013, Acerbi was diagnosed with testicular cancer."From one day to the next, you find yourself powerless and surprised, and you discover that your life could change forever," Acerbi would recount a few years tumour was removed immediately and Acerbi returned to training with his new team-mates. He played 13 times, but adverse findings during a doping control test in December 2013 certified the cancer's did not give up, though, and after several rounds of chemotherapy - something he described as a "world of pain and of courage" - Acerbi defeated the cancer, thus beginning his period of inner growth."Paradoxically, the tumour gave me a second chance, making me realise who I was and what I really wanted," he the help of his dearest, Acerbi returned to the field the following season and found more stability. After five positive seasons with Sassuolo, he moved to Lazio in he met Inzaghi who advocated strongly for Acerbi to follow him to Milan in 2022, because of the player's leadership qualities."Inter were good to listen to me about Acerbi. I knew he would help us because his concentration and grit are unique," the Inter boss Nerazzurri loaned him for 1m euros (£850,000) on the last day of the summer transfer window, despite scepticism within the club and the opposition of fans, worried by his Rossoneri past."I also advised him to move to Inter. His father was a Nerazzurri fan and that would definitively reconcile him with him," revealed his psychologist Franchini, who said they speak before big games, including the semi-final against Barcelona. The rest is recent history. Acerbi's favourite animal is the lion and he has always fought like one, on and off the pitch.A tattoo on his chest reads 'The Lion King'; another lion roars off his stomach. Alex, the friendly lion character from the animated film series 'Madagascar', smiles off his right has never accepted defeat and rebelled against fate, which confronted him with even rebelled against national team coach Luciano Spalletti, who had not called him up for almost two March, when asked, the Italy boss replied: "Acerbi? But do you know how old he is?"But Spalletti has since recalled him for the upcoming matches against Norway and also rebelled against what happened in Istanbul two years ago, when he and Inter lost the Champions League final against Manchester City. If Inter have another chance to secure the trophy in Munich on Saturday, the credit is also his."My moral is to never give up and always react. You can fall, but you must get back up every time; facing things with the right attitude allows one to grow," Acerbi told BBC Sport."You have to help yourself, realising that you need it. It takes strength to get support from the outside and luck to be around people who really love you, but it all starts with you."From a personal and sporting point of view, I don't know if a win in Munich would be the closing of a circle, but I'm not the type of person who stops after a Champions League final."If the lions inked on his body show Acerbi's bravery, the wings on his back are there to show he has learned how to fly.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Inter: Arnautović, Bisseck, de Vrij, Zalewski, Sommer, Dumfries speak
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here. Inter is preparing for the Champions League final. Three days after the disappointment in Como, with a 2-0 victory that was not enough to win the Scudetto. At Appiano Gentile, the week begins that will lead to Munich and the final against PSG, the last act of the Nerazzurri season. After coach Simone Inzaghi and teammates Marcus Thuram and Matteo Darmian, some Nerazzurri players spoke in the mixed zone to share their feelings just days before the final. Here are the statements from Carlos Augusto, focused ahead of Saturday's big match. Then Bisseck spoke. Next up was de Vrij, who rallied the team: "We can't wait to play this final." Focus for Zalewski, who made clear his intention to stay at Inter. Then it was Sommer's turn, discussing comparisons with Donnarumma and recalling his spectacular save against Yamal versus Barcelona. A few laughs with Arnautovic, who revealed the story behind an 'arrest' some time ago. For Dumfries there is no doubt: it's time to win the Champions League. Videos produced by Alessandro De Felice.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Brazil Star Admits Inter Milan ‘Didn't Take Advantage Of Our Chances' In Serie A Title Race Vs Napoli
Brazil Star Admits Inter Milan 'Didn't Take Advantage Of Our Chances' In Serie A Title Race Vs Napoli Carlos Augusto admits that Inter Milan 'didn't take our chances' in the Serie A title race against Napoli this season. The Brazilian spoke to Italian broadcaster DAZN, via FCInterNews, after the Nerazzurri's 2-0 win over Como. Advertisement Inter Milan have not managed to successfully defend their Serie A title crown. The Nerazzurri took it down to the last day of the season. They were just a point behind Napoli going into today's matches. And Inter did their bit. They got a convincing win away to Como to close out the league season. However, the Nerazzurri were also relying on Cagliari to do them a favour against Napoli. And that did not happen. So Inter will be left with the feeling of regret after the long season. The Nerazzurri have certainly had their positive moments. Particularly when they looked to have taken control of the Serie A title race in the spring. Advertisement But then, back-to-back losses to Bologna and Roma proved to be a hammer blow to Inter's title ambitions. Furthermore, Inter have dropped too many points cheaply throughout the campaign. 2-2 draws against the likes of Genoa, Parma, and Lazio, and a failure to beat AC Milan were among the decisive results for the Nerazzurri. Carlos Augusto: 'Inter Milan Couldn't Take Advantage Of Our Chances' In Serie A Title Race Vs Napoli VENICE, ITALY – JANUARY 12: Carlos Augusto of FC Internazionale in action during the Serie A match between Venezia and FC Internazionale at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on January 12, 2025 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by) After today's match against Como, Inter defender Carlos Augusto reflected that 'It was a long season.' The Brazilian admitted that 'we had some chances, that we weren't able to take advantage of.' Advertisement 'But it was still a great season,' Augusto insisted. 'Now we have a final that's everyone's dream. We're going there to play a great match.' 'We've had a great Champions League season,' Augusto continued. 'It's not because we didn't win the league we're going all-in on Europe.' 'We didn't take advantage of our chances. Those important points are the ones we're missing in the end.' 'Now we focus on Europe,' Carlos Augusto added. 'It's a big week for us.'
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Marotta: No comment on refs, Inzaghi-Saudi talk
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here. On Friday, May 23 at 20:45, Inter will face Como at the Sinigaglia stadium for the 38th and final matchday of Serie A. The Nerazzurri, currently second with one point behind Napoli, must win and hope for a misstep by the Neapolitans against Cagliari to conquer the Scudetto. The team arrives with the best attack in the championship (77 goals) and the memory of the 2-0 victory in the first leg, signed by Carlos Augusto and Thuram. It will be a fiery finale, with the two decisive matches – Como-Inter and Napoli-Cagliari – taking place constantly updated, for the live text click on the match card above. Inter president Beppe Marotta spoke to DAZN: "We have the obligation to believe. The players know it's an important game. Destiny is not in our hands. Referees? Silence is a form of communication to be interpreted and explained. At that moment, there was tension and it had to be managed". "The championship is like a Tour of Italy, in the Champions League there are circumstances that help you. This year we played 15 more games than the others". "Inzaghi and Arabia? The contract still has a year left. We have a great symbiotic relationship, he is the main architect of this 4-year cycle. On our part, we want to continue. I don't think there are any bells ringing from his side. When the time is right, we will discuss and evaluate the renewal". Cesc Fabregas spoke to DAZN before Como: "Winning today? It would be putting the finishing touches on a beautiful season, a season of highs and lows, but with the continuity of our game idea, and this has been our strength, the fact that we haven't changed. When doubts arise, it's the worst moment for a team, for a club. When you believe a lot in an idea, then you can do beautiful things. A little time is missing, it's sometimes difficult for the kids to learn to take a little time, you have to have the will to do it". "You always have to grow, I'm the first to push the kids and the club, I think we have great potential, but with a change every 6 months of 10-12 players, you have to start from scratch every time. I think we've done a great job, let's see what next season brings, but I'm very serene, we know what we want". "Helping Conte? No, in football, there are no friends: I respect him but we don't have to do more. We have to do our best to win, then we'll see". 🧨 What Inter needs to become champions 90 minutes from the end of the championship, Inter is forced to chase: second with 78 points, just one point behind Napoli. To win the Scudetto, the Nerazzurri must beat Como and hope that Napoli does not win against Cagliari. In case of a draw or defeat for the Azzurri and a simultaneous Inter win, Inzaghi's team would overtake Napoli and win the title for the second consecutive season. If Napoli wins, any result for Inter would be useless. COMO (4-3-3): Reina; Vojvoda, Van Der Brempt, Smolcic, Valle; Caqueret, Perrone, Da Cunha; Paz, Douvikas, Strefezza. Coach Fabregas INTER (3-4-2-1): Sommer; Bisseck, De Vrij, Carlos Augusto; Darmian, Calhanoglu, Asllani, Dimarco - Correa, Zalewski - Taremi. Coach Farris 📸 PIERO CRUCIATTI - AFP or licensors
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Video – Inter Milan Hype Up Brazil's Spectacular Clearance In Serie A Clash Vs Como: ‘Came Up Big At Just The Right Time'
Video – Inter Milan Hype Up Brazil's Spectacular Clearance In Serie A Clash Vs Como: 'Came Up Big At Just The Right Time' Inter Milan won the European Treble during the 2009-10 season. The Nerazzurri won the Serie A title as well as the Coppa Italia in terms of domestic silverware. Then, they crowned the season by winning the Champions League. Advertisement It was a 2-0 victory in the final of Europe's top club competition over Bayern Munich that truly crowned the greatest season of Inter's modern era. Inter Milan took to Instagram to share a video of Carlos Augusto. Making an excellent clearance in a Serie A clash with Como.
