How a cancer diagnosis and personal grief couldn't stop Francesco Acerbi
In short: From the fifth tier of Italian football to the Champions League finals, Francesco Acerbi’s career is a testament to resilience. He has battled testicular cancer, depression, and the loss of his father, yet emerged as a cornerstone of the Italian national team and a champion of Europe.
Born in Vizzolo Predabissi in 1988, Acerbi's journey through professional football was far from linear. He began in the fifth tier with Pavia before navigating the complex world of Italian co-ownership transfers involving clubs like Reggina, Genoa, and Chievo. These financial maneuvers often saw his registration rights split between clubs, with values reaching millions of euros, such as a €4 million deal involving Milan and Genoa in 2012.
His career faced a profound crisis in 2013. While preparing for his debut with Sassuolo, medical tests revealed a testicular tumor. Following surgery, he faced a further setback when a doping test in December 2013 returned irregular results; Acerbi maintained these were caused by hormone fluctuations following his cancer treatment. He underwent chemotherapy from January 7 to March 14, 2014, yet remarkably continued training during much of his treatment.
Beyond physical illness, Acerbi has been candid about the mental toll of elite sports. During his tenure at AC Milan, he struggled with depression and used alcohol to cope with the grief of losing his father. Despite these immense personal pressures, he achieved international glory, winning UEFA Euro 2020 with Italy and later becoming a vital component for Inter Milan, even scoring a 93rd-minute equalizer in a 2025 Champions League semifinal against Barcelona at the age of 37.
Today, Acerbi remains a formidable presence in Serie A, known for his aerial ability and defensive positioning. His longevity is remarkable; in 2025, he became the second oldest goalscorer in a Champions League semifinal, a record held only by Ryan Giggs.
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