Francesco Acerbi will have to sit out the next two matches against Inter and Verona. The Lazio defender was sent off in the final minutes of the Bologna romp. The League handed him a two-match suspension for insulting the referee after being booked, which led to the expulsion.
Acerbi apologized on Instagram: “As you know, I got a red card Sunday, and I am sorry for my teammates, the coach, and the fans. I apologize for my gesture. It is not in my character, and it sets a bad example for the kids and those who love football. I decided to self-fine myself and donate a sum to charity.”
Either Stefan Radu or Patric will replace him in the backline against the Nerazzurri. Acerbi has played every minute so far, both in Serie A and Europa League. On top of their main center-back, Lazio risk being without Ciro Immobile in the first tilt after the break.
The striker suffered a strain of the semimembranosus muscle of the right thigh in the Lokomotiv Moscow game. He missed the last match versus Bologna and international duties. The injury is minor, but the standard timetable would jeopardize his presence. The Lazio captain provided an update on his status on Twitch: “I suffered this small issue, but I am recovering. I am fine, and we will try to be as quick as possible. It is part of the job. I am going to the training facility twice a day to speed up the process.”