Italy Star Reminds Inter Milan What They Were Missing With ...

Italy Star Reminds Inter Milan What They Were Missing With Impeccable Display On Injury Return Vs Napoli

Defender Francesco Acerbi gave Inter Milan a clear demonstration of what they’d been missing in his absence against Napoli.

Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, highlight the boost that the 36-year-old’s return can be for the Nerazzurri.

Stefan de Vrij has just about held down the fort for Inter over the last few weeks.

The Dutchman replaced Acerbi at the heart of Inter’s defense in last month’s Serie A clash with Roma after the latter suffered a thigh strain.

And then de Vrij made five consecutive starts for the Nerazzurri while Acerbi got back to fitness.

De Vrij put in solid enough performances. Particularly his display against Arsenal in the Champions League.

But with Acerbi back, Inter coach Simone Inzaghi decided to restore the Italian international to the starting lineup.

And Acerbi showed just why that was the case.

Acerbi had a man-marking brief yesterday evening. The former Lazio and Sassuolo defender was tasked with putting a lid on Napoli centre-forward Romelu Lukaku.

De Vrij is certainly capable of playing that kind of role. The Dutchman is tall, physical, and possesses experience, anticipation, and defensive instincts.

But Acerbi is even more of a specialist at nullifying strikers.

The Italian international has done a job on all of Victor Osimhen, Ciro Immobile, Olivier Giroud, Duvan Zapata, Dusan Vlahovic, Mateo Retegui, and Erling Haaland in big matches for Inter – to name just a few.

And Acerbi once again rose to the occasion against Lukaku. Just as he had done when Inter faced Roma last season.

With Acerbi on the pitch, Napoli were not able to use Lukaku as a reference point in attack.

The Belgian could neither consistently lay the ball off to teammates, nor force the Inter defense on the back foot with runs in behind.

On the contrary, Acerbi’s consistency in winning his tussles with Lukaku established control for Inter.

The 36-year-old looked almost casual in how he would win possession in 50/50s with Lukaku. The ball would wind up at the feet of an Inter player to start another attack.

Inter may not have felt like they missed Acerbi too much while he was out.

But the Italian gave the team a reminder of how glad they’ll be to have him back after the international break.