Beating Testicular Cancer to Football Triumph: Francesco Acerbi’s Story

A football story in which an athlete cheated death from a deadly disease and bounced back like never seen before is that of the Great Francesco Acerbi. This is the story of a footballer whose life has led him to fight, with all his might, against unwanted adversity – which came in the form of cancer. What kind of cancer, one may ask? Once upon a time, Francesco Acerbi was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Having testicular cancer in 2013 became tragic news, which saw the Defender fighting for his life. And do you know?… Acerbi’s strength and determination have seen him defeat testicular cancer NOT JUST ONCE but twice. Ever since he was a boy, there was this fighting mentality about the Euro 2020 winner.

After undergoing emergency surgery to remove one of his testicles, Francesco Acerbi emerged even stronger. His battle with cancer only fueled his drive, transforming him into a more complete and mentally resilient player. As a veteran defender, he developed an inner strength that helped him come back stronger than ever. His journey is a testament to his incredible resilience in the face of adversity.

Preamble:

This in-depth article on Francesco Acerbi’s biography goes beyond his on-field achievements to explore his life story in full. We’ll delve into his childhood, early football years, and introduce you to his family—his late father Roberto Acerbi, his mother, his siblings Federico and Sabrina Acerbi, his wife Claudia Scarpari, and their child, Vittoria Acerbi.

We start by uncovering significant moments from Francesco’s boyhood, then move on to his early career with Pavia, his childhood club. Finally, we’ll cover his rise as a veteran Italian defender who played a key role in inspiring Inter Milan to reach the 2022/2023 UEFA Champions League Final.

To give you a taste of Francesco Acerbi’s incredible journey, we’ve put together a rare photo gallery showcasing his early years and remarkable rise. This biography will surely deepen your appreciation for the Inter Milan veteran’s extraordinary path.

Yes, every football fan knows Acerbi as a physically imposing and hard-tackling defender. In our history of writing the Life History of Italian Centre Backs, we found a knowledge deficit. The truth is, not many football fans have read Francesco Acerbi’s Biography, which is very exciting. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

Francesco Acerbi Childhood Story:

For Biography starters, he bears the nickname ‘The Lion’. Francesco Acerbi was born on the 10th day of February 1988 to his late father, Roberto Acerbi, and his mother (who is Italian) in Vizzolo Predabissi, Italy.

The Veteran Italian Defender is one among three children born to the marriage between his Mum and Late Dad.

Before we introduce you to his siblings – a brother, Federico and a sister, Sabrina, let’s first show you Francesco Acerbi’s parents. The Italian Defender draws lots of strength from his Mum, who is his only surviving parent.

Growing-Up Years:

So far as our research can tell, Francesco Acerbi grew up alongside two of his siblings – a brother, Federico and a sister, Sabrina.

In his family, the Athlete holds the position of the second child and first son – with Sabrina being the oldest and Federico being the youngest.

Francesco Acerbi cherishes the childhood memories he spent alongside his siblings, reminiscing about the times they enjoyed together.

The siblings, offspring of the late Roberto Acerbi, fondly recall the happiness they derived from their beach outings in their younger days.

Francesco Acerbi Early Years:

The beautiful game began through the advice and guidance of his late Dad, Roberto. Francesco had an intense relationship with his father, a bond that transcended from the family home to the football field.

There were many carefree moments between the two, and that love they have for each other had football at the centrepiece.

Rewinding the tape of memories, Francesco Acerbi never forgets his habit of “virtually” wearing every football jersey he could lay his hands on.

This also includes the blue shirt of the Italian national team and that of his Idol, who once played for AC Milan. Speaking of the footballer he admired, Acerbi’s childhood idol was no other person than the great George Weah (Tim Weah‘s Dad).

As a reader of this Bio, you might like to know why a Defender like Acerbi would want to idolise a Striker. Now, let’s tell you why. Do you know?… Francesco Acerbi began playing football as a Striker, so it is understood why he idolized the former Ballon d’Or winner.

He once spoke about his idol while mentioning the names of Forwards who have suffered him the most in his career – Ibrahimovic, Higuain, and Dzeko. Acerbi spoke about his career beginnings in the following words;

“As a kid, I played forward, and my idol was George Weah, he was really strong.”

Francesco Acerbi Family Background:

The Euro 2020 Winner describes the woman who gave birth to him as the best of all mothers. While his siblings and Dad were fundamental to his life, Acerbi revealed that his Mum pampered him excessively, and it sometimes made him go out of control. There is a saying that mothers and first sons are often very close.

Once upon a time, during a Mother’s Day celebration, Francesco Acerbi made a joke about his Mum, which went viral. The Central Defender shared a photo of her with a cardboard blow-up of his photo and said,

“When your mother doesn’t remember what you look like and so she settles for a hardcover. Happy Mother’s Day.”

Acerbi is survived by only his mother and two siblings – a brother, Federico and a sister, Sabrina. In an Instagram post dated 5th of February 2019, he introduced fans to his late Dad with the following words;

Hi Dad, today would have been your birthday.

and even if I never told you, you are and will always be my idol.

Thank you for always being there even if you are gone, we are always your family.

I remember everyday how much I miss you.

Francesco Acerbi Family Origin:

The Central Fededer Defender, who won the war to defeat cancer, is a bona fide Italian. Acerbi has Italian citizen, and it is likely that both of his parents (including his late Dad) is from the South American country.

Regarding where Francesco Acerbi’s family comes from, our findings point to Vizzolo Predabissi. This town is situated in southeast Milan, right inside the Lombardy Italian region. Here is a rare photo of Acerbi origins – the quiet town of Vizzolo Predabissi.

Ethnicity:

Francesco Acerbi identifies with the Italian people, who have a rich and diverse cultural history. This ethnic group is native to Italy, and they are known for its culture, language, traditions, and heritage.

Francesco Acerbi Biography – Football Story:

Having his first kick with the ball at Vizzolo Predabissi, Lombardy, the aspiring Athlete began his career with Pavia, his local Lombard team. Francesco Acerbi initially began life as a Striker before switching to defence.

To this day, he fondly remembers his first coach, Mr Clerici, who moved him from striker to central defender. On the day Clerici died, Acerbi said these emotional words via his Instagram handle;

Today is a sad day!!! You have been an example to me. They were unforgettable years between us.

You have helped me a lot in my growth path both personally and professionally.

It was You, the coach, who moved me from central defender to striker. Rest in peace Mr Clerici.

Early career troubles:

At the beginning of his career with the Pavia youth team, Francesco Acerbi didn’t have the head of a professional. He once said;

“At the beginning of my career, I often arrived at the pitch tipsy. I often did not recovere from the spirits of the night before.”

Because he was physically strong, all he did was sleep a few hours and then perform on the pitch. At a time, Acerbi wanted to stop playing. He saw Football as a game that was no longer interesting to him. He could no longer find the stimuli, and that made him speak with his mother on the phone.

Acerbi’s change of heart was a result of his Mum and his friend, Paloschi. His Mum instilled in him a renewed faith, one which ensured he prayed twice a day (morning and evening). At that time, it wasn’t like he had become a saint, as Acerbi still caused little trouble. Speaking about his change of heart, the Athlete once said;

“I got to know who I am now and I was able distinguish good from evil. Again, I know who I could trust and I had to pushed away people I consider negative.”

During those frustrating years in his early career, Acerbi found himself on a loan journey. Between 2007 to 2011, he accepted loan moves to three different clubs and also had a less-than-satisfactory transfer at three clubs – Reggina, Genoa and Chievo.

On the 20th of June 2012, AC Milan bought Chievo’s 50 per cent share of Francesco Acerbi. In the Athlete’s autobiography book titled ‘Tutto bene’, he recounted how he missed an important opportunity in his career with the Italian giants (AC Milan).

Road to Fame Story:

When he arrived in Milan, Adriano Galliani, the former CEO of the club (not related to Adriano), requested he take the shirt number of the Legendary Alessandro Nesta or Ariedo Braida.

The Sporting Director of the club enquired and knew about Acerbi’s secret, like his party lifestyle. For this reason, he ensured he got a house for Acerbi at Gallarate and not in Milan.

Acerbi debuted for Milan in its 3–1 win over Bologna. Subsequent matches later, he failed to gain a stable place in the starting line-up, a development that saw him leave the club.

Despite wearing the number 13 of the Great Nesta, Acerbi didn’t give the right importance to football. He could care less about being at a big club like Milan or wearing the shirt number of the two-time Champions League winner.

How Fighting Cancer Began:

In the summer of 2013, Francesco Acerbi was ready to start his football at his new club, Sassuolo. But when he went to the pre-season medical, something didn’t add up to his blood test. The problem was investigated, and the diagnosis – “Cancer in his left testicle” – changed his life forever.

The unusual blood tests revealed he had a testicular tumour. Following the discovery, Acerbi immediately underwent emergency surgery. The surgery happened at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, and the sole purpose was to have his left testicle removed.

Speaking about the surgery, in an interview with the National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO), Acerbi once said;

“I felt fear and tension. Again, I didn’t know what I was getting into. I was so frightened by the prospect of not being able to play football again”.

During the time he faced the disease, something clicked in Francesco Acerbi’s head. That thing was his attitude towards life, which changed tremendously. Truth be told, Cancer became his luck to have a better career, and the battle against the disease made him learn not to give up.

Beating Cancer Twice:

Three weeks after the operation, the Italian Defender saw himself already kicking a football on the pitch. However, ‘the testicular Cancer’ he once suffered from didn’t give him a break and came back a second time.

Francesco Acerbi first noticed this when he tested positive for chorionic gonadotropin in the anti-doping test. It happened following the match the Defender played against Cagliari on the 1st of December 2013.

Following the results of the test, it soon became clear that there was a recurrence of his cancer. This time, it was on his right testicle.

Full of pain and courage, Acerbi proceeded to a three months chemotherapy. During the intensive chemotherapy (which happened throughout the 2013/2014 season), Francesco stayed away from the fields. The Lion Defender fought tenaciously against the disease, and in the end, he defeated it for the second time.

Francesco Acerbi Biography – Rise to Fame:

Yet again, he returned to the pitch in the summer of 2014 to continue his career from where he left off.

Compared to the past, Acerbi (this time) became a new man and a new brand of Central Defender. His improved performance led him to score his first Serie A goal for Sassuolo on the 25th of October 2014.

In the summer of 2018, Acerbi made a big leap in his career by moving to Lazio on a five-year contract. With Simone Inzaghi as head coach, the man who twice defeated Cancer became the pillar of the Biancoceleste defence.

On the day Francesco scored this long-range goal, it became clear to fans that he was indeed reborn.

With the Aquilotti Eaglets, he won the Italian Cup in the 2018/19 season. Acerbi also won the Italian Super Cup in 2019, in which Lazio conquered Allegri’s Juventus. With his instant rise, he earned his place in Italy’s squad for the UEFA Euro 2020.

With his increasing reputation, he joined fellow Defenders – the likes of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci in the Euro 2020 squad.

Together, they helped the gli Azzurri advance to the knock-out stages, eventually winning the tournament against Jordan Pickford‘s England team.

Inter Milan Journey:

Being a hard-tackling and physically imposing left-footed defender with ball-playing ability on the ground and good technique, Acerbi attracted the attention of bigger clubs in Europe. On 1 September 2022, he reunited with his former Lazio Boss, Simone Inzaghi, by moving to Inter.

Since he arrived at Inter Milan, the Lion has proved himself to be one of Italy’s Best Defenders. He was created to help Inter Milan get to the 2023 final of the UEFA Champions League to face Manchester City. The rest, as we say, of the physically powerful centre-back is now history.

Love Life with Claudia Scarpari:

Behind the successful footballer who has fought and won the biggest battle in life comes a glamorous woman.

Her name is Claudia Scarpari, and she holds the position of Francesco Acerbi’s Wife in the making. At the time of writing this Bio, Francesco Acerbi is engaged to Claudia Scarpari.

Who is Claudia Scarpari?

Our findings reveal that Francesco Acerbi’s Girlfriend is a lawyer by profession. Like her lover, the Inter Milan Defender, she holds Italian citizenship.

Claudia Scarpari’s family have their origins in Mantu, a city in the northern Italian region of Lombardy.

Before meeting Acerbi, which we’ll tell you about, Claudia had a lack of passion for football. The lady of enamoured beauty refers to herself as an Inter Milan supporter. In her words;

I don’t miss an Inter Milan game, and I will never miss one. Oftentimes, I get very emotional when I watch the games from home. and when a commentator says his name, It makes me shiver.

How did Francesco Acerbi and Claudia Scarpari met?

Our findings reveal that the Inter Milan defender met his soul mate during the summer of 2020. That was shortly after the end of the first COVID-19 lockdown.

Francesco and Claudia met at the beach and from that day, they had both known nothing but love.

Claudia Scarpari once told the story of how she met her lover in the following words;

We met at the beach, and I can’t tell what Francesco did to win me over. He was simply himself with that smile and sympathy he has in him. Since we met, we haven’t been able to stay apart.

Acerbi often dedicates tender words to his partner, Claudia, a person he often refers to as a friend. In times of difficulty, she was always ready to listen to him, constantly giving him words of comfort and strength.

In an Instagram post dated 17th of September 2021, Acerbi professed his love to Claudia in the following way;

You are special in everything you do. You have the ability to make me happy, and I’m lucky enough to be next to you. You are unique. I love you to death.

Does Francesco Acerbi and Claudia Scarpari have Children?

Yes, and this became evident at the time the lovers took to social media to share the news of the arrival of their first daughter in 2021. Both Francesco and Claudia are proud parents of a little girl named Vittoria. One of Acerbi’s happiest days was the day he first held his daughter shortly after her birth.

Welcome to the world, our life. We are madly in love with you.

The above words came from the new mother, Claudia Scarpari, who posted a photo of the newborn girl on her Instagram account. Further findings reveal that Vittoria is not Claudia’s first child. Acerbi’s girlfriend has two other children from her previous relationship.

Vittoria’s arrival to the world came two months after he helped Italy win the 2020 UEFA European Championship. Claudia Scarpari was pregnant while the footballer was involved in the tournament – in Roberto Mancini’s Italian national football team.

Acerbi, Claudia and their daughter remain very united and close-knit. And it is refreshing to note that the arrival of Vittoria Acerbi came after her Dad’s battle with the nightmare of cancer disease. Despite suffering from testicular cancer in 2013, he finally found the extra smile and joy of becoming a dad.

Since after the arrival of their daughter Vittoria in 2021, Francesco and Claudia are now preparing to relive the extra joy of becoming parents for the second time.

Francesco Acerbi Ex-Girlfriend:

It is revealed that ever since the Defender chose Claudia to be the woman of his life, he decided not to talk about his previous relationships. Speaking of his ex, Francesco Acerbi once dated Serena Bianchi, a lady from Romagna. Serena wasn’t the only one in his love books.

Acerbi also had a brief relationship with a Cuban model, Ariadna Romero. Our findings reveal that Ariadna once entered Famous Island in 2019.

Personality:

When a coach takes a young footballer, then puts him on the field and makes him defend the ball. And the next day, a Doctor takes the same footballer, makes him lie in a hospital bed and performs emergency surgery on him t remove a testicle. This is the painful story of Francesco Acerbi, in a nutshell.

The latter tells the most difficult moment in the Italian Defender’s life. That difficult part of his life came when he underwent emergency surgery at the Milan-based San Raffaele hospital to have one of his testicles removed. Ivory Coast Striker Sebastian Haller also faced a similar situation.

Before going into the theatre, the doctors reassured Acerbi. They explained that with that emergency surgery and three weeks of rest, he could effectively fight the disease and find his way back on the pitch. The San Raffaele medical team gave him confidence and that made Acerbi feel more optimistic.

The first diagnosis came in 2013 when Francesco was 25 years old. Then followed, the emergency operation and chemotherapy. Acerbi kept his head to the tumour and defeated it twice. Following that, he returned to the field stronger, both as a Defender and as a man.

Acerbi reacted to the illness by continuing to live his usual life – the night outs, having drinks, etc. Sometimes he stayed up until 7 am in the morning, and throughout those nights, he vowed not to let the disease win. At times when Acerbi is alone, he beats his fists on his chest (like a lion) and then shouts at the CANCER with the following words;

‘get out of my body, go away”.

The Untold Recovery:

In the face of the disease and during the period he waited for his recovery, something clicked in Acerbi’s head. First, his attitude towards life changed, and in the interview, the Defender revealed as follows;

“Cancer was my luck AND I thank the Lord for having him.”

Thankfully, the recovery times became short, and Francesco didn’t have to reflect much on his illness. After the defeat of testicular cancer disease, Acerbi became reborn, and it made him feel like a lion.

The disease made him understand the true value of life, including the people he can trust and those persons or things he needs to keep away from.

One of those persons who reached out to Acerbi during the time he battled with the disease was his Idol, George Weah. Francesco revealed that while on the terrace of his house, he received a call from a foreign phone number he didn’t know. He further said,

I answered and found it was George Weah, the great centre forward of AC Milan and my idol of all time.

He had learned of the testicular cancer disease and wanted to talk to me and encourage me. His call gave me a very strong emotion.

Now known as the Lion who defeated cancer, Acerbi once revealed that he has a strong message for those who, like him, find themselves battling cancer. In his words,

“Never give up, even when things or the situation go wrong. You have to try to trust, to believe in yourself, because it helps you feel better and often makes things go better”.

Acerbi knows that in some cases, the disease cannot be defeated even if a person puts in all the willpower possible. Nevertheless, he believes that one should not give up. The Defender is of the view that if someone with the disease stays positive, the disease can only take over their body but not their soul.

Lifestyle:

Regarding what the Defender does outside the pitch, we found the act of playing basketball as one of his hobbies. It is obvious that the b-ball game, which involves movement patterns, jumping and quick changes in direction, allows him to experience a different form of physical exercise.

Tattoos:

Francesco Acerbi has numerous body arts, and they express his strength and courage, especially in his battle to defeat testicular cancer. His tattoos also contain the love for the number 15, which is the shirt number he wears for Inter Milan and the Italian national team.

After defeating testicular cancer disease, Acerbi once revealed that he felt like a lion. This perhaps could explain the reason for the eye of a lion tattoo situated below his chest. In addition to the head of a Lion, the Defender also has “the Lion King tattoo” on his chest, among other writeups.

Love for Dog:

Acerbi’s love for his dog is no doubt a beautiful aspect of his lifestyle. His dog offers him a source of companionship and joy. Most importantly, it gives Francesco the avenue to unwind from the pressures of his duties on the pitch.

Francesco Acerbi’s Car:

The Defender has once put his €53,462 weekly salary with Inter Milan into good use by purchasing a car; it indeed represents a symbol of his success.

Francesco Acerbi Family Life:

During his three months of chemotherapy, the Central Defender (in an interview with La Repubblica’) said that he entered a different world, one that he had never imagined. Acerbi was only worried for himself but for his family, who never ceased to support him. Now, let’s tell you more about them.

Francesco Acerbi Mother:

It is obvious from the beginning of our Bio that the Defender often loves to be around his Mum, a woman who he once said pampered him excessively. Acerbi’s Mum was there for him, especially during his three months of chemotherapy.

Francesco Acerbi Father:

The Inter Milan Athlete once revealed that he once played football to satisfy his father, who cared for him a lot. And after he lost his Dad, Acerbi almost lost his passion for playing football. The death of his Dad was the reason why his relationship with the football profession became problematic at the beginning of his senior career. In the Athlete’s words;

I played for my father. once he was gone, I had no one to play for.

Acerbi sometimes rewinds the tape of memories regarding his Dad – especially on the day of his heavenly birthday. On the day he posted this photo of his late Dad, one particular Instagram fan (Desire Blind) noted that he fondly remembers the Great Roberto Acerbi.

Francesco Acerbi Siblings:

The two-time Supercoppa Italiana winner spent his childhood alongside his two siblings whose names are Federico and Sabrina. Now, let’s tell you about Francesco Acerbi’s siblings individually. We’ll start with his little brother, Federico.

Federico Acerbi:

Research has it that he turned 28 on the 24th day of March 2023. According to Francesco, his brother, like other family members, was fundamental in keeping his mind away from his cancer worries. Federico Acerbi did that by engaging his older brother in other activities that’ll make him not feel sick. Here are the words of the cancer Survivor;

I needed someone who would invite me to watch TV, to go shopping. someone who would not make me feel sick.

My brother, Federico became that person. He was fundamental to my recovery.

Judging by photos from his Instagram account, Federico appears to be someone who loves adventures. One of his favourites is the Skydive.

Federico loves to visit the Skydive Pull Out Ravenna (a skydiving centre in Italy), where he catches fun. With the company, he enjoys the life-changing thrill of freefall.

Asides from having an indescribable adventure of Skydive Pull Out Ravenna, Federico’s next adventure once took him to the Buggy Tour at Corralejo Fuerteventura.

Sabrina Acerbi:

Sabrina is married and has a son named Leonardo, who was born on the 26th day of September 2022. Acerbi once revealed that the strength he used to defeat cancer was born from Sabrina’s support and love. As such, the Defender never forgets to thank her, who is really close to him.

Francesco Acerbi Relatives:

During Christmas celebrations – as the one experienced on the 25th day of December 2016, the Defender revealed members of his extended family. Among those include Francesco Acerbi’s Grandmother. According to fans, there is a likelihood of the existence of the Defender’s stepDad, who is seated right beside his Mum.

Untold Facts:

In the final section of Francesco Acerbi’s Biography, we’ll unveil truths you might not know about him. Without further ado, let’s get started.

Francesco Acerbi SOFIFA:

FIFA fans think that Inter Milan players have been treated unfairly. The same goes for Radu Dragusin, who plays for Tottenham Hotspurs as of January 2024. This is seen in the poor ratings suffered by Acerbi. Despite having a fine 2022/2023 season (starting over Skriniar sometimes and now De Vrij), Francesco has suffered a downgrade.

The Lion is in the mould of Kalidou Koulibaly and Niklas Süle, and he deserves more than an 82 potential and overall rating.

Francesco Acerbi Salary:

The September 2022 contract he signed with Inter Milan sees him earning a whooping sum of €53,462 weekly. In the Inter Milan salary table, Acerbi earns far less than some of his colleagues. Among these persons include Nicolo Barella (€178,007), Matteo Darmain (€61,731), Federico Demarco (€56,923), etc.

Breaking down Francesco Acerbi’s Inter Milan salary into smaller numbers shows he makes €0.08 every second and €5.3 every minute.

How rich is the man who defeated cancer twice?

Where Francesco Acerbi’s parents raised him, the average Italian person earns €43,800 per year. Do you know?… such a person would need to work for 63 years and six months to earn Acerbi’s annual salary with Inter Milan.

EndNote:

Francesco Acerbi Cavaliere OMRI was born on the 10th day of February 1988 to his Late Father, Roberto Acerbi and his Mother, both of whom are Italians. He grew up in a close-knit home alongside two siblings – a brother (Federico Acerbi) and a sister (Sabrina Acerbi).

In addition to Francesco Acerbi’s family members is his wife, Claudia Scarpari and daughter, Vittoria Acerbi. The passion for football ran through his veins from an early age, thanks to the efforts of his late Father.

Acerbi grew up playing football in Pavia. His early senior career years were filled with troubles in both the field as well as in his life. During one of his medicals, a lump was found that shouldn’t have been there in his body.

At the ripe football age of 25, Acerbi was forced to undergo an emergency surgery at the San Raffaele Hospital. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer, and the emergency surgery to remove a testicle was his only way out. Sadly, this was followed by the sudden re-appearance of the disease. And then his metastasis, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Post-Cancer Rise:

Francisco’s Testicular cancer became an illness that prompted him to develop decisive inner strength. The Italian footballer didn’t give up, and after six months, he returned to training. His attitude towards life changed, and he once revealed that Cancer was his luck.

Speaking of luck following his battle against cancer, he helped his Lazio team win the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana. Next, the Italian Defender, alongside notables like Federico Chiesa, Spinnazolla, etc., helped Italy to win the 2021 European Championship.

Indeed, Francesco Acerbi loves football, and we have learnt in this Bio that the Defender has fought with all his might against the biggest form of adversity. It will be a miracle if his Inter Milan side defeats Pep Guardiola‘s Manchester City to win the 22/23 UCL (UEFA Champions League) Final.

Appreciation Note:

Thank you for taking the time to read our version of Francesco Acerbi’s Biography. We strive for accuracy and fairness in our quest to deliver the stories of Italian Football Players. Acerbi’s Life story is part of our wider collection of European Football Stories.

Please reach out to us (via comment) if you find anything that doesn’t look right in this memoir about the footballer who twice fought and defeated cancer. Let us know what you think about the 6 ft 4 Defender, who, according to GOAL, revealed that Testicular cancer saved him from alcoholism.

Aside from Acerbi’s Bio, we’ve got other great Italian Football stories you can read. Surely, the Life History of Mateo Retegui and Wilfried Gnonto will excite you.