Inter Milan & Italy Veteran On Champions League PSG Loss: 'Came To Final Mentally Cooked'

“PSG was very strong, but we were mentally drained,” Acerbi admitted. “In hindsight, having beaten Bayern and Barcelona, we were labeled as favorites.

“We had the obligation to win. We went through a tough journey, with injuries and various issues.

“The tension lasted until the last matchday, thinking about a Napoli slip-up.

“We were down in morale, even though we had to play the Champions League final.

“Indeed, we had to win at all costs to avoid wasting the season; we arrived there too exhausted. Even after the match, we weren’t angry, nothing.”

Then, Francesco Acerbi recalled his memorable last-minute equalizer against Barcelona in the semi-finals.

“Every now and then I go forward, just randomly,” Acerbi added. “After the 3-2, I felt like saying, ‘Well done, them.’ I wasn’t angry, even though we had conceded the comeback.

“They’re phenomenal from midfield up. I didn’t think Yamal was that strong. Also Raphinha…

“Then I thought, ‘Why should I wait to score the 4-2?’

“I didn’t ask anyone for permission to go up, then I immediately got into offside waiting for the ball in the box.

“In the end, Denzel’s cross went between the opponent’s legs, and I moved toward the goal.

“At that point, I told myself, ‘At worst, I miss.’

Inter Milan Arrival, Title Winning Season & Cristian Chivu

Acerbi revealed an anecdote about his arrival at Inter.

“They told me, ‘We’re fine,’ there was no chance,” he admitted. “I was very close to Napoli. Marseille was also interested.

“I was happy, it was a matter of pride. Then, in the end, Inter was in trouble, and Simone Inzaghi pushed for me to come.

“Before coming to Milan, I spent a week at my mom’s house.

“We were at lunch and I thought, ‘Well, let me call Sarri.’

“I went for him, but I said, ‘Anyway, I’ll get my spot back.’ It was 2 PM and the transfer window closed at 8.”

Acerbi was part of the Inter team that won the 20th Scudetto in 2023/24.

“If you don’t have a strong group, you don’t achieve certain results,” he continued. “Ours is a great group that gets along well.

“That makes the difference. Even Inzaghi made everyone feel good. That season went smoothly.

“You go to Napoli and win 3-0 with a shot on target in the first half. The penalty on Osimhen? No, come on.”

Moreover, he spoke a bit about the new Inter manager, Cristian Chivu.

“He’s different from Inzaghi, but he’s very prepared,” Acerbi confirmed. “He makes the group feel good and has humanity.

“I didn’t think anything of him at first, but it’s his first year in Serie A…

“He’s a guy who puts a lot of passion in, you can see he’s played football and been in winning locker rooms.

“He’s already ready for this job, and he understands football. We’re very happy to have him.”

Sassuolo Win & Autobiography

Acerbi was not at his best in Inter’s 2-1 win against Sassuolo on Monday.

“A rating for my performance yesterday? I was quite nervous about the goal we conceded, so I give myself a 6,” he claimed. “It’s not modesty…

“It’s not automatic to play a good game just because you win.

“I experience football in a certain way; I could be calmer at my age in some situations.

“I give a lot even when I should stay more relaxed, but that’s my character,” he added.

Ultimately, he explained how his relationship with his father inspired his book.

“He was very present,” Acerbi said. “It’s thanks to him that I never gave up and became the player I am today.

“Of course, sometimes the relationship was also conflicted.”