Inter Milan & Italy Veteran Hailed For ‘Dominant’ Performance Against Ex Chelsea Striker In Serie A Clash Vs Napoli | OneFootball

Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi has won praise for his “dominant” defensive performance against Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku.

Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, name the 36-year-old as the best performer in the top of the table Serie A clash.

Defender Acerbi was back in the Inter starting eleven yesterday after a few matches missed through injury.

In the Italian international’s absence, Stefan de Vrij had just about held down the fort defensively.

But Inter coach Simone Inzaghi went with Acerbi from the start yesterday.

And it was not hard to see what Inzaghi was expecting from the veteran former Lazio and Sassuolo defender.

Inter were up against a familiar face in the form of Romelu Lukaku. The 31-year-old former Chelsea and Manchester United striker has become to focal point in attack for Napoli.

Therefore, Acerbi was on hand to try and nullify Lukaku. He had a clear man-marking brief.

And that is exactly what the Italian international managed to do.

Francesco Hailed For “Dominant” Display Vs Romelu Lukaku

This season, Napoli have often used Lukaku’s holdup play and threat in behind to play directly.

The Belgian’s strength, acceleration, and ball control can make him a very formidable presence once he receives the ball to his feet.

But Acerbi was well aware of what he had to do to contain Lukaku.

The 36-year-old stuck close by the player he was marking. But he never overcommitted himself and gave Lukaku the chance to blow past him.

The Napoli centre-forward was never able to escape Acerbi, who frequently reached out to make physical content and let his opposite number know he was there.

And when the pair tussled for the ball, it was always Acerbi who came out on top.

Lukaku did managed to work the ball to a teammate on a couple occasions. But Acerbi always made sure it was a very rushed layoff.

And there were no notable chances for the Belgian international.