Inter defender Francesco Acerbi has decided against joining up with the Italy national team, despite being included in Luciano Spalletti’s latest squad for June’s World Cup qualifiers, following Inter’s 5-0 thrashing in the Champions League final on Saturday night.
Speaking at his press conference at Coverciano, attended by Football Italia, Spalletti confirmed that Acerbi has ‘not responded to the call-up’ and that he is expected to stay at home following Inter’s heavy Champions League final defeat on Saturday night.
Acerbi, 37, had been called up for the first time in well over a year for World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Moldova on June 6 and June 9.
Spalletti confirms Acerbi will not join Italy national team
“Acerbi did not respond to the call-up,” Spalletti told the media during his press conference on Sunday.
“Let’s move on,” the CT added. “It’s not a physical issue, he’s thought about what’s happened around him.
“Previously he had some doubts. It’s true that we have to hold our breath at the end of the season, it was not easy to make these call-ups.”
Acerbi had been included in a list of defenders that included club teammate Alessandro Bastoni, Napoli’s Alessandro Buongiorno, Juve’s Andrea Cambiaso, Diego Coppola of Hellas Verona, Napoli’s Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Inter’s Federico Dimarco, Milan’s Matteo Gabbia, Juve’s Federico Gatti, Destiny Udogie of Tottenham and Davide Zappacosta of Atalanta.
Buongiorno has since left the squad as well, and has been replaced by Fiorentina’s Luca Ranieri.
So no Acerbi, no Buongiorono & no Calafiori as well! Not good !
Norway have two very good & in form strikers with Haaland & Sorloth. Who can we trust to play with Bastoni & Di Lorenzo?
Italy is finished Norway going to romp
so no lacking in grace knee 5lide5 like again5t muller? 😢
I think Acerbi did the right decision. Give Ranieri a chance. Ranier is better than Bastoni in one beat one situation. If Italy start 2 of Bastoni, Di Marco and Di Lorenzo Italy will concede goals. They are most reliable defenders.I already noticed Acerbi and all Italian was already worn out 3weeks ago.
Based on Inter performance it is safe we need to prepare for more pain! I hope Di Marco follows and withdraws also.
Good. Acerbi is an absolute disaster who should consider hanging up his boots and retiring.
Acerbi ! Give me a break! He has one good game for Inter, if that, and he does not want to play for the National Team? I do not know why Spalletti called him up! Bye! And don’t let the door hit your behind on your way out!! Players have no more loyalty when they are called up to the National Team!! Getting tattoos is the priority!! We shall see what happens in their qualifying group. It won’t be easy!!
@Rosario
Acerbi won a Scudetto and a 2nd star at your expense. in case you forgot.