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The Italian national team has four World Cup titles, but recently suffered the humiliation of being eliminated in qualifying in two tournaments.
On the 6th, they will compete in the first European qualifying round for the 2026 tournament, but a commotion has erupted over the call-up of players.
37-year-old Inter defender Francesco Acerbi refused to call up the national team.
Coach Luciano Spalletti commented, “Acerbi did not respond to the call. It's not a physical issue. He told me this morning in a message, so I responded and spoke on the phone.”
Meanwhile, Acerbi, who had just lost the UEFA Champions League final on May 31, explained on social media the reason he refused to call up the national team.
“After much consideration, I told the manager that I would decline to call up the national team. This was by no means a light decision.
Wearing a blue uniform has always been an honor and a source of pride.
However, given recent events, I am convinced that the situation is not in place to continue to follow this path calmly.
They don't want excuses or favors, they want respect. If there is a lack of respect from those in the position to lead the team, I hope they will step down.
I am not a man who is obsessed with calling. I've always done my best, but I'm not going to stay somewhere that's really not needed anymore.
And it's clear that I'm not part of the director's project.
This was my decision, and as I told the manager this morning, I wasn't driven by anger, nor was it a drop in the Champions League final. I just felt the need to take a step back.
I wish the national team and teammates the success. I will continue to support them with the same love that I have always shown on the pitch.”
This suggests that manager Spalletti lacked respect.
Coach Sparetti has been in charge of the Italian national team since September 2023, but it appears that he has a grudge with Acerbi.
When Acerbi was racially rioted against Napoli in March 2024, he left the Italian national team after discussing with manager Sparetti. He has not been called up since then, but he refused to return this time.
Norway, where Italy will face off on the 6th, has world-renowned striker Erling Haaland, but according to Sky and other media outlets, when a reporter asked if it would be beneficial to bring Acerbi back to prevent Haaland, Sparetti joked, “Do you know Acerbi's age?”
