Lazio defender Francesco Acerbi is wary of striker Romelu Lukaku ahead of Italy’s quarter-final game against Belgium in the ongoing Euros, but insists his team-mates will find a way to stop the Inter Milan man.
The two teams will be facing off in Munich on Friday and Acerbi believes Italy must cage one of the Red Devils’ lethal forwards.
Lukaku is enhancing his reputation as one of the best forwards in the world, having already scored three goals and put up some stellar performances.
With Giorgio Chiellini racing to recover in time and Alessandro Bastoni also an option, Acerbi could again be given a starting berth at centre-back
The 33-year-old, who has marked Lukaku in his Serie A before, has discussed how to neutralize the former Chelsea and Manchester United striker.
“You stop Lukaku by defending as a team, that is how you stop the individual,” Acerbi told the official UEFA website.
“He is a fantastic striker, he made the difference in Serie A, he is making the difference in a Belgium side that has Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and many other immense talents.
“Lukaku is the kind of striker who always has you on your toes. We already faced him, but we know that if you leave him half a chance, he’ll score.
“The group, the squad will be decisive in this match, and it’ll be tough for Italy, but I can assure you Belgium will have a difficult time too.”