Italy Veteran Hailed For Superb Man-Marking Job On Harry Kane In Inter Milan 2-2 Bayern Munich Champions League Thriller | OneFootball

Francesco Acerbi has won praise for his excellent man-marking performance against Harry Kane in Inter Milan’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Bayern Munich.

Today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, hail the former Lazio and Sassuolo defender’s physicality, anticipation, and discipline.

It was always clear what Francesco Acerbi’s task was going to be against Bayern yesterday.

The 37-year-old has proven a highly effective man-marking centre-back for much of his time at Inter. He has nullified his share of dangerous strikers both in Serie A and in Europe.

And there are few centre-forwards as tough to keep a handle on as Bayern talisman Harry Kane.

Francesco Acerbi Praised For Man-Marking Job On Harry Kane In Inter 2-2 Bayern Draw

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Francesco Acerbi of FC Internazionale warms up prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Monza at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 08, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

But Francesco Acerbi had already done a great deal to restrict Kane’s influence in the first leg of Inter’s Champions League quarterfinal tie against Bayern.

And it was an even more impressive performance in the second leg.

Very early on in the match. Acerbi got in front of Kane to watch a dangerous ball go out for a goal kick. This was an indicator of the kind of match the Englishman would be in for.

Kane did score one goal. This came when he drifted very wide and Acerbi did not follow him. That’s no coincidence, as it was one of the few occasions in which the Bayern striker found any breathing room.

Meanwhile, Francesco Acerbi also had his moments in attack. He proved that even at the age of 37 and with major defensive responsibilities, he can still drive forward and link up with teammates in attack.