Rugged Acerbi the symbol of Inter's bid to make history

Francesco Acerbi could crown his long, turbulent career with the biggest prize in club soccer after bouncing back from cancer, depression and alcoholism to play a key part in Inter Milan's charge to the Champions League final.

The Italy international's stoppage-time equalizer was probably the defining moment in Inter's barely believable semifinal triumph over Barcelona, as the oldest player in an aging team.

A 37-year-old centerback, Acerbi had to be the most surprising goal scorer in a tie for the ages, finding himself in the opposition penalty area to smash in his first ever Champions League goal, just as the game looked up for Inter.