Inter Milan Veteran Reveals He Would Steal Thuram ‘Quality’ & Barella ‘Drive & Energy’ | OneFootball

On the day of Inter Milan’s Serie A clash with Lazio, veteran defender Francesco Acerbi has reflected on the lessons football has taught him and what he would borrow from teammates Nicolo Barella and Marcus Thuram.

Speaking to the club’s MatchDay Programme, via FCInterNews, the 37-year-old emphasised the enduring values that have shaped both his personality and his role within the team.

“The first things football taught me were determination and respect – fundamental values in any dressing room,” Acerbi explained.

Therefore, underlining the principles that have defined his approach since his early days as a professional.

Now in the latter stages of his career but still a vital figure in Cristian Chivu’s squad, Acerbi insists his hunger has not diminished.

“Even today I have a constant desire to improve,” he said.

“Experience has made me calmer on the pitch, but a defender must always keep his focus high.”

Inter Defender Acerbi Would Borrow Traits From Barella & Thuram

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 25: Francesco Acerbi #15 of FC Internazionale Milano walks on the field prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and CA River Plate at Lumen Field on June 25, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

When asked what has helped him most over the years, Acerbi kept it simple. “Desire and hunger.”

However, the centre-back was equally keen to highlight the strengths of those around him.

“I could name many,” he admitted, “but I’ll start with Thuram’s quality on the ball and Barella’s drive and energy.”

Finally, Acerbi shared which Inter legends have left the greatest mark on him.

“Ronaldo the Phenomenon, for his quality, and Javier Zanetti, for his constancy and relentless desire to improve,” he said.