Italy Veteran Returns From Injury As ‘Anti-Lukaku Specialist’ In Inter Milan Vs Napoli Serie A Clash

Francesco Acerbi will be back as the “anti-Lukaku specialist” for Inter Milan in this evening’s Serie A clash with Napoli.

Today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, anticipate a clear role for the 36-year-old in his first match back from injury for the Nerazzurri.

Defender Acerbi has been out of action for a few weeks.

The 36-year-old Italian international suffered a thigh injury during Inter’s Serie A match against Roma.

Acerbi had started that match. However, he was only able to see out the first thirty minutes or so.

Acerbi has actually been back fit and available for more than a week.

The former Lazio and Sassuolo defender has been part of matchday squads for wins over Venezia in Serie A and Arsenal in the Champions League.

However, Inter coach Simone Inzaghi has opted for Stefan de Vrij in the starting eleven for those matches.

Francesco Acerbi The “Anti-Lukaku Specialist” For Inter In Serie A Clash Vs Napoli

In the buildup to this match, there has been some doubt about who would be starting at the heart of Inter’s back three.

De Vrij had certainly impressed with his performance against Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.

Therefore, the Dutchman would be a candidate for a starting place.

And moreover, the fact that Acerbi is only just coming back to fitness would raise one or two doubts.

But Inter coach Inzaghi has a clear idea. He wants to rely on Acerbi’s individual man-marking ability to contain Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku.

The Italian international kept Lukaku quiet twice in two meetings with Roma last season.

And Acerbi has successfully marked a murderer’s row of Serie A strikers since joining Inter. He has kept the likes of Olivier Giroud, Dusan Vlahovic, Duvan Zapata, and Victor Osimhen quiet among others.

Therefore, Inzaghi will be backing Acerbi to do the same against Lukaku this evening.