How Acerbi Overcame Cancer and Addiction to Shine at Inter
Francesco Acerbi’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary — a tale that reads like a modern fable, marked by tragedy, resilience, and redemption.
Once battling personal demons and life-threatening illness, the now 37-year-old Inter Milan defender has emerged as an unlikely football hero on the grandest stages of the game.
Born just 15 miles from the iconic San Siro in Vizzolo Predabissi, Acerbi’s early career included stints in Italy’s lower leagues before climbing up through clubs like Reggina, Chievo, and eventually AC Milan. But behind the scenes, his life was unraveling.
The death of his father — his greatest supporter and harshest critic — plunged him into a dark spiral of depression and alcoholism. He openly admitted arriving to training drunk and lacking the mindset of a professional athlete.
His downward spiral reached a turning point in 2013 when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer — not once, but twice.
The second diagnosis came after a failed doping test, revealing a recurrence of the disease. Despite the immense physical and emotional toll, Acerbi endured rounds of chemotherapy and returned to football with a new perspective.
He described his battle with cancer as a painful but clarifying experience, calling it a “second chance” that pushed him to reevaluate his life and rediscover his purpose.
That inner transformation translated into stability on the pitch. Acerbi flourished at Sassuolo and later Lazio, where he formed a strong bond with manager Simone Inzaghi.
Inzaghi brought him to Inter Milan in 2022, despite resistance from fans due to Acerbi’s ties to AC Milan. But the gamble paid off. Acerbi’s experience and determination became an essential part of Inter’s defense.
The peak of his comeback came in dramatic fashion during the 2025 UEFA Champions League semi-final.
In the dying minutes of the second leg against Barcelona, Acerbi scored his first-ever goal in European competition — a 93rd-minute equalizer that forced extra time and helped Inter clinch the tie. It was a moment of magic for a man who had fought so hard to simply be alive.
“He’s a defender, but he scored like a real striker. There’s something magical and fabulous in what he did,” teammate Stefan de Vrij said.
Another teammate, Carlos Augusto, praised Acerbi’s determination, calling him someone who “never gives up.”
Off the pitch, his story is etched on his skin — lion tattoos that symbolize his fighting spirit, and wings on his back that speak to his journey from grounded despair to soaring hope.
Even after being dismissed by Italy coach Luciano Spalletti due to his age, Acerbi fought his way back into the national squad ahead of crucial matches.
He credits his transformation to therapy, the support of loved ones, and the will to change. His psychologist Paolo Franchini, who helped him confront his complicated relationship with his late father, said Acerbi was finally able to channel his pain into growth — both personal and professional.
“This journey isn’t over,” Acerbi told BBC Sport. “You can fall, but you must get back up every time. Facing things with the right attitude is what allows us to grow.”
Whether or not Inter Milan lifts the Champions League trophy in Munich, Acerbi’s life already embodies victory — over illness, addiction, grief, and doubt.
It’s a story not just of football, but of fighting for life, one step, one goal, and one roar at a time.
How Acerbi Overcame Cancer and Addiction to Shine at Inter