Out-of-favour Lazio defender Francesco Acerbi could be on the verge of leaving the Stadio Olimpico after four years. According to Corriere dello Sport (via FCInterNews), the veteran defender’s days are numbered following his altercation with the Biancocelesti ultras.
Acerbi has fallen out of favour with the Lazio faithful after making a ‘shh’ gesture towards the Curva Nord when netting a goal. Even though he subsequently offered an apology to the fans, they are demanding his departure already in the summer.
But Acerbi has another three years remaining on his current deal at Lazio, which would require any interested side to table a satisfying bid. Simone Inzaghi, who established the 34-year-old as a first-team regular in the nation’s capital, is reportedly keen to reunite with his former pupil at Inter.
During Inzaghi’s tenure at Lazio, Acerbi developed into one of the most reliable defenders in Serie A. Moreover, he is already familiar with the Inter coach’s game system, having flourished in a 3-5-2 formation over the past four years.
Inter are exploring the market for potential defensive reinforcements as they look to revamp their options at the back next summer. They have already laid their eyes on outgoing Lazio centre-back Luiz Felipe, but the Brazilian is seemingly on course to swap Serie A for La Liga side Real Betis.
Torino’s rising star Gleison Bremer remains Inter’s dream, but the 25-year-old has a host of suitors across Europe. It would take a substantial financial sacrifice to lure him away from Turin, so the Nerazzurri are searching for alternatives.
Inzaghi could play a prominent role in persuading Acerbi to return to Giuseppe Meazza, where he spent an underwhelming 2012/13 season wearing Milan colours. Inter already convinced Joaquin Correa to swap allegiances last summer, and they may do the same with the Italian defender at the end of the season.