Lazio-Acerbi: history over. From pillar of the group to “enemy” of the Biancocelesti

From Beppe Signori to Francesco Acerbi, twenty-seven years later, how fans can change a story that seemed already written. In the background, like now, there was Lazio. And a changing market plot: then it broke up, this time it was created. And the Acerbi case brought to mind the story of Signori in 1995.

the turnaround

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Until seven months ago the national team defender seemed an untouchable in the horizons of Lazio. A pillar in Inzaghi’s group, winner of an Italian Cup and an Italian Super Cup, but also a protagonist in that exploit that led to the top of the standings before the lockdown in March 2020. A renewal of the contract until 2025 at the age of 37 seemed to be able to to tie Acerbi to Lazio for life. Even beyond his competitive career, even assuming a restart as a coach in the youth teams in Formello. Then, the reversal of a story that already appeared to be armored.

the wrong exultation

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Everything was triggered by Acerbi’s exultation after his goal in the victory with Genoa on 17 December last. With your hands behind your ears and then your finger in front of your mouth. As an invitation to acclaim him but then also to shut up. Acerbi had not digested the criticisms that had rained down on him, especially via social media, on the occasion of the second goal conceded at Sassuolo. In a few seconds, however, after an important goal to win the game, Acerbi stopped being an idol, the “lion” who exalted the fans. Becoming a target of boos for a part of the organized supporters. “I made a wrong gesture, it was dictated by adrenaline”, the reverse of him a few hours later, on Instagram. Useless. The fracture was already deep. But also without return.

the grin of discord

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A week later another goal from the defender. In Venice as a background to his exultation there are whistles from the protesters. A few days later a harsh press release from the ultras asking for his immediate transfer. At the January market, Acerbi was not put up for sale. But the wind of protest has not died out. Also in March, on his return to the field after two months off due to injury. And on April 24 the situation exploded. A television still image in the moment following Tonali’s goal which at the end gives Milan the victory focuses a grin from Acerbi as he collects the ball on the net. That photo immediately runs on social channels, accompanied by the image of a teammate, Marusic, who scolded him. “It was a hysterical smile”, the attempt at explanation: not accepted. In the whirlwind of the contest he too after scoring the goal that gave La Spezia victory, essential for qualifying in the Europa League. A heavy situation and now considered irreversible from an environmental point of view. Acerbi at the end of the season asked the club to change teams.