Francesco Acerbi answered back to his critics in the Lazio fanbase with a winning goal to beat Spezia 4-3. ‘It has been problematic in some ways, but my job is to do well for Lazio.’
It was a chaotic match at the Stadio Picco, with Spezia taking the lead three times, the Biancocelesti clawing them back, until Acerbi netted with a bizarre flick in the final minute for 3-4.
Serie A | Spezia 3-4 Lazio: Acerbi snatches seven-goal thriller
Incredibly, Acerbi got the winner after a week of controversy and bitter comments from Lazio fans, who blamed him for the 2-1 defeat to Milan and claimed he was laughing at conceding that last-gasp goal.
It’s safe to say it has not been an easy week for the veteran, who was dealing with astonishing insults and threats on social media.
“It hasn’t been easy for five months, but I am someone who keeps going, I work hard,” Acerbi told Sky Sport Italia.
“It has been a problematic year in some ways with the fans, but my job is to do well for Lazio, for my teammates and myself, to give my all even during difficult moments.
“I was upset that someone doubted me as a person and that I cannot allow. Despite the criticism, this squad has always given its heart and soul under Maurizio Sarri and deserves to be in Europe.”
Will this goal and reaction change Acerbi’s future at Lazio?
“My future is the next game, the next training session, going home to my family and that is all. What happens, happens, I cannot see the future.”
The seven goals were also scored by seven different players, including an Ivan Provedel own goal, as Mattia Zaccagni’s angled drive hit the upright and ricocheted in off his back.
“With the system that Sarri wants, if you get one or two pressing movements wrong, it has a chain reaction and the whole thing goes wrong. We take risks, but we are getting better and I am proud of this group.”
Lazio win it in the 90th minute! 😲
Despite falling behind on three occasions, Maurizio Sarri’s side leave Spezia with all three points.
Francesco Acerbi’s goal sees them leapfrog Roma. pic.twitter.com/qdo0PUwdkp
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 30, 2022