Francesco Acerbi expects a difficult match against Serie A strugglers Sampdoria and he looked back at his controversial winner against Spezia.
The 34-year-old Italian centre back unintentionally sparked outcry in the league last week after his 90th minute winner against Spezia appeared to be offside. Many were frustrated with the incredibly poor application of both VAR and general officiating this season, and Acerbi was the latest player to be involved in this debate.
Speaking in the match programme (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Acerbi first discussed what kind of game he expects against Sampdoria.
It will be a difficult match, against a team that is confident and in the hunt for mathematical safety. We’re playing at home and we want to do well to win and secure a place in Europe.
The Lazio defender then touched on his controversial winner against Spezia and what it means to him.
That goal is dedicated to the commitment put in this year by the team, which has always fought in every moment, good and bad.
I hope that, at the end of the season, it will be remembered as the goal that took Lazio to Europe. It would be the right recognition for everyone.
This season there have been some difficulties, but football is beautiful because every year is different from the previous one.
Finally, Acerbi discussed the fact that Sampdoria are the team that he’s scored most again in his career. He’s netted four goals in 17 meetings with the Ligurian side.
If I’m being honest, goals interest me relatively little, anyone can score them. The important thing is that Lazio win and bring home a victory, three fundamental points for their European path in the standings.
The 34-year-old Acerbi seems destined to leave Lazio in the summer, with clubs like Inter, Juventus and Milan all reportedly keen to pick him up on a low-cost deal.
