Romelu Lukaku is ‘more difficult to mark than Cristiano Ronaldo’, claims Francesco Acerbi

Romelu Lukaku is ‘more difficult to mark than Cristiano Ronaldo’, claims Francesco Acerbi… as Italy defender hints he would rather face Portugal than Belgium in Euro 2020 quarter-finals


Italy defender Francesco Acerbi has claimed that Romelu Lukaku is more difficult to mark than Cristiano Ronaldo.

Lazio centre-back Acerbi, who has experience of playing against both players in Serie A, is set to face one of the two stars in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020.

Italy made it through to the last eight with a 2-1 victory over Austria after extra-time, and they will take on either Lukaku’s Belgium or Ronaldo’s Portugal, who meet on Sunday. 

Acerbi says it is  more diffiuclt to mark Lukaku than Ronaldo

Francesco Acerbi believes Romelu Lukaku (L) is harder to mark than Cristiano Ronaldo (R)

Acerbi hinted that he would prefer to face holders Portugal. 

As reported by Football Italia, when asked who is more difficult to mark out of Lukaku and Ronaldo, Acerbi said: ‘Maybe Lukaku. Because he’s a complete player, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo, who always scores.

‘As a centre-forward, Lukaku is more difficult to mark because he has more physique, he has power and is a bit more of a striker.

‘Cristiano Ronaldo is the classic forward, but he is more markable than Lukaku.’

Italy defender Acerbi is set to face either Lukaku or Ronaldo in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020

Italy defender Acerbi is set to face either Lukaku or Ronaldo in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020

Lukaku and Ronaldo are among the leading contenders for the Golden Boot at Euro 2020.

Ronaldo is currently leading the way with five goals, while Lukaku is one of five players who have found the net on five occasions.  

Both players will undoubtedly be key to their respective nations’ hopes of glory at Euro 2020, although it is likely to be a tough task for either of them against Acerbi’s Italy. 

Acerbi is relishing taking part in his first major tournament for Italy and has featured in three of the four games for Roberto Mancini’s side so far.

In Italy’s victory against Austria, Acerbi provided the assist for his side’s second goal, which was scored by Matteo Pessina.