Inter Milan star, 37, beat cancer and battled alcohol issues and depression before Barcelona heroics

It was a moment of magic from a man who has battled alcoholism, depression and testicular cancer.

Acerbi's path to this defining moment has been anything but straightforward, transforming from a player who once "hit rock bottom" to becoming Inter's unlikely hero.

With Inter trailing 3-2 and minutes remaining, manager Simone Inzaghi sent Acerbi forward in a desperate search for an equaliser.

The veteran defender delivered in spectacular fashion, chipping the ball past Barcelona's Ronald Araujo and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

It was Acerbi's first-ever goal in a major European competition.

His strike forced extra-time, where Davide Frattesi scored to secure a thrilling 4-3 victory on the night and a 7-6 aggregate win for the Serie A side.

Acerbi's struggles began in February 2012 when his father passed away, just months before he joined AC Milan.

"When my father died in February 2012, I hit rock bottom. I started drinking and, believe me, I'd drink anything," Acerbi revealed.

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The loss plunged him into depression as he struggled to cope without his father witnessing his rise from the lower tiers of Italian football.

"After his death, I felt empty and football was meaningless. From there it all went downhill. I was arrogant, the others were not good enough," he admitted.

In 2013, Acerbi faced an even greater challenge when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, not once but twice.

Remarkably, he later described this illness as his salvation: "Cancer saved me.

"It's impossible not to have fear, but without it, I would have retired," he explained.

Acerbi underwent intensive treatment and didn't return to football until the 2014-15 season.

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"Without cancer, I would have retired at 28. Perhaps I would be in Serie B, at Cittadella, but with cancer, my real life began, giving me a second chance," he previously said.

Battling these challenges required immense strength of character, which Acerbi found with professional help.

"I spoke to a psychologist after my two cancers. He explained to me how to react and take a step forward," he shared.

"It's important to have a few people around you, two or three who you can really trust," he said.

His patience and perseverance eventually paid off.

"It doesn't matter if you play or not, your time will come sooner or later."

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Acerbi's personal life also flourished following his recovery, bringing new joy and meaning.

He married his partner Claudia, building a stable foundation after years of turmoil.

In September 2021, they welcomed their daughter Vittoria into the world.

The name, meaning "victory" in Italian, was no coincidence given Acerbi's triumphant battle against adversity.

He proudly shared images on social media of himself holding his newborn daughter.

His professional career continued to ascend when he joined Inter Milan permanently in 2023 after an impressive loan spell.

Acerbi's equaliser last night sparked an emotional celebration that revealed the depth of his journey.

He removed his shirt in tears, jumping high as the tattoo of angel wings on his back became visible to millions watching.

The moment symbolised his flight from the depths of despair to the heights of European football while also capturing the raw emotion of a man who had overcome life's harshest challenges.

Now, Acerbi and Inter Milan look ahead to the Champions League final in Munich on 31 May.

Regardless of the outcome against their yet-to-be-determined opponents, Acerbi has already secured his greatest victory.