Inter parts ways with Acerbi: thank you for everything, Francesco! | OneFootball

The bond between Francesco Acerbi and Inter Milan has been one built on faith. Something pure and instinctive, much like the defender’s prayer before every kick-off, when he would take a moment for himself: arms raised, eyes fixed on the sky, before turning his full focus to the pitch. Acerbi had experienced and overcome so much before arriving in Milano in the summer of 2022. He joined Inter carrying a wealth of experience, but also the hunger of a player determined to write the finest chapters of his career and turn an already remarkable journey into something legendary. It did not take long for him to establish himself at the heart of Inter’s defence and earn the trust of the Nerazzurri faithful, sealing that bond of faith. We quickly learned that, with Acerbi on the pitch, opposing strikers would endure a difficult 90 minutes. We learned to trust his ability to win duels against the very best forwards in the Serie A and Champions League. Soon enough, that same belief would take him far beyond his usual territory, into attacking areas he only ventured into at the right moments, the decisive moments.

The first glimpse came in his debut season, during the Coppa Italia Round of 16 match against Parma. It was a difficult, hard-fought match that went to extra time before Acerbi scored his first goal in Nerazzurri colours. A looping header from outside the box caught Gianluigi Buffon off his line after he had come to clear the cross. Only Acerbi knew why he was there, and how he found the instinct to attempt that extraordinary finish, the goal that launched Inter’s Coppa Italia run. Acerbi always believed. More than anyone else. He always gave everything: his passion, his dedication and his relentless desire to push beyond every limit. Who else could have scored the goal that broke the deadlock in the Derby that sealed Inter’s Second Star? Once again, he was in the right place at the right time. His strike against AC Milan crowned a remarkable season, delivering Inter’s 20th Scudetto and the first league title of his career, creating unforgettable memories for both him and the entire Inter family.

Once you experience nights like those at a packed San Siro, you only want more. Then came the Champions League run of 2025. With Inter trailing Barcelona 3-2 deep into stoppage time and on the brink of elimination, the Meazza clung to one final spark of hope. That was when the lion made his bond of faith immortal. He believed more than anyone else. Leaving his defensive post, he surged into the opposition penalty area and met Denzel Dumfries ’first-time cross with his right foot, sending the ball into the roof of the net. His shirtless sprint, his slide across the rain-soaked turf and the embrace of 75,000 people gave Inter one of the most iconic moments in the Club’s history. Always believe. Always be there.

Even the greatest journeys, however, eventually come to an end. Acerbi’s time with the Nerazzurri ended in the best possible way, with a historic domestic Double capping four outstanding seasons in which he made 148 appearances, scored five goals, lifted six trophies and created some of the most unforgettable moments in Inter history.

Thank you, Francesco. It was a privilege to win together.