Acerbi: ‘No marking is impossible!’

Francesco Acerbi has warned that banning defenders from marking opponents tightly is ‘unthinkable’ and rubbished ‘fake news’ of player unrest at Lazio.

The issue of man-to-marking in Serie A matches once the season resumes is proving contentious, given it contravenes social distancing.

However, Acerbi made it clear that as much as Calcio had changed because of coronavirus, ‘the games won’t be table football’.

Francesco Acerbi has warned that banning defenders from marking opponents tightly is ‘unthinkable’ and rubbished ‘fake news’ of player unrest at Lazio.

The issue of man-to-marking in Serie A matches once the season resumes is proving contentious, given it contravenes social distancing.

However, Acerbi made it clear that as much as Calcio had changed because of coronavirus, ‘the games won’t be table football’.

“The transition from individual to team training has gone well,” he told Lazio Style Radio.

“It would’ve been impossible to play with the whole team in quarantine in the event of a positive test. We want to resume the season, so this is a good thing.

“The games won’t be table football, so not being able to mark our opponents tightly is unthinkable.

“It’s only right that matches are being played properly in Germany, always while respecting the rules.

“Football without fans is a bit sad, but I’ve seen good rhythm in the Bundesliga games. It was only the first matchday back. The intensity will increase in the next few games.”

It was reported yesterday that the stopper and his Lazio teammates were unhappy with President Claudio Lotito, who asked them to accept a pay cut.

“A simple conversation recently took place with the President after two-and-a-half months of not seeing each other.

“Lotito greeted the team, it was a family chat. We covered everything 360, from seasonal objectives to wages. It was a conversation between grownups.

“I’ve read some fake news, which really annoyed me. Things in the dressing room must stay there.”