Inter’s Acerbi refuses national team summons, cites disrespect by coach

Francesco Acerbi, the 37-year-old Inter Milan defender, has declined a call-up to the Italian national team for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Moldova in June 2025, accusing head coach Luciano Spalletti of disrespect. The decision, announced after a 5-0 loss to PSG in the Champions League final, was shared by Acerbi in a detailed social media post, where he expressed feeling undervalued by the coach. The episode, unfolding in Milan, highlights ongoing tensions between the player and Spalletti, rooted in past incidents, including a racism allegation in 2024. Acerbi’s refusal has sparked debates in Italian football, with figures like Gianluigi Buffon emphasizing the honor of representing the national team. The move raises questions about Acerbi’s future with the Azzurra and the team’s dynamics under Spalletti’s leadership.

Acerbi’s tenure at Inter Milan has been marked by consistent performances, notably in the Champions League, where the club reached the final. Despite the heavy defeat to PSG, the defender remained a cornerstone of the Nerazzurri’s backline. His decision to skip the national team, however, caught fans and analysts off guard.

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• Factors behind the refusal:
• Spalletti’s public remarks questioning Acerbi’s age.
• Previous conflicts, including a 2024 suspension over racism allegations.
• A sense of being sidelined in the national team’s plans.

The strained relationship between player and coach has reached a breaking point, with Acerbi prioritizing his club career over national duties.

"Não quero estar onde não sou mais desejado, e está claro que não faço parte do projeto do gerente."

🎙️Acerbi em seu Instagram após recusar uma convocação para a seleção italiana. pic.twitter.com/QwlT3cRvWC

— Central do Italiano🇮🇹🇧🇷 (@Centraldaitalia) June 1, 2025

Background of the rift

In early 2024, Acerbi faced a racism accusation from Napoli’s Juan Jesus during a Serie A match. The incident prompted the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) to exclude him from a friendly tour in the United States while investigations were underway. Cleared of charges, Acerbi returned to action, but the episode left a lasting impact. Spalletti, at the time, justified the exclusion as a way to maintain team harmony, a stance Acerbi perceived as a lack of support.

Subsequent call-ups overlooked Acerbi, and Spalletti’s comments about the player’s age—delivered with a smirk in one press conference—further fueled the defender’s frustration. These public remarks set the stage for Acerbi’s refusal to join the national team in June 2025.

Acerbi’s statement

In a lengthy social media post, Acerbi outlined his reasons for declining the call-up. He described the decision as carefully considered, not driven by anger or the recent Champions League loss. The defender emphasized that representing Italy has always been a privilege, but current circumstances made his participation untenable.

• Key points from the statement:
• A demand for respect from the coach.
• Rejection of claims that the decision stemmed from the Champions League defeat.
• Support for his national team teammates and hopes for their success.
• An openness to returning if conditions improve.

The statement balances frustration with a measured tone, reflecting Acerbi’s attempt to maintain respect for the national team.

Spalletti’s response

During a press conference at the Coverciano Technical Center, Luciano Spalletti confirmed Acerbi’s refusal and downplayed its significance. The coach clarified that the defender’s absence was not due to injury but rather personal issues tied to the national team environment. Spalletti chose not to elaborate, stressing that other players deserved their chance to shine.

Known for his successful stint at Napoli, where he won the 2022-23 Serie A title, Spalletti now faces the task of unifying the squad amid public criticism from a seasoned player. Acerbi’s absence, particularly for the Norway match against Erling Haaland, requires defensive adjustments.

Reactions in Italian football

Acerbi’s decision has elicited mixed responses within the football community. Gianluigi Buffon, a legendary figure in Italian football, backed Spalletti, arguing that refusing a national team call-up disregards not just the coach but the country itself. Buffon underscored the privilege of wearing the Azzurra shirt, suggesting Acerbi’s choice could have lasting repercussions.

Conversely, Inter Milan fans, particularly on social media, have rallied behind Acerbi, viewing his stance as a justified response to Spalletti’s perceived slights. Some supporters criticized the coach’s handling of the situation, while others noted that Acerbi’s absence could pave the way for younger defenders like Alessandro Bastoni and Federico Gatti.

Italy’s national team context

The Italian national team is in a rebuilding phase following a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, where they were knocked out in the round of 16 by Switzerland (2-0). Spalletti, who took charge in August 2023, is tasked with guiding Italy to the 2026 World Cup after missing the previous two editions. The qualifiers are critical, and losing experienced players like Acerbi could complicate matters.

Italy faces Norway, led by star striker Erling Haaland, on June 6, followed by Moldova on June 9. With Riccardo Calafiori suspended, the defense is already stretched, and Acerbi’s absence adds further pressure.

• Potential replacements for Acerbi:
• Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan).
• Federico Gatti (Juventus).
• Matteo Gabbia (AC Milan).
• Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli).

Acerbi’s career overview

At 37, Francesco Acerbi remains one of Italy’s most respected defenders. With over 400 Serie A appearances for clubs like Lazio, Sassuolo, and Inter, plus 34 caps for Italy, his experience is undeniable. His standout performances in Inter’s 2024-25 Champions League run, including a 4-3 victory over Barcelona, cemented his value to the Nerazzurri.

Despite battling injuries this season, Acerbi’s reliability has been a constant. His refusal to join the national team, however, casts uncertainty over his international future, especially under Spalletti’s management.

Spalletti’s leadership style

Luciano Spalletti, 66, is among Italy’s most seasoned coaches. His achievements at Roma, Inter, and Napoli, where he ended a 33-year title drought, highlight his tactical prowess. Yet, his tenure with the national team has faced scrutiny, particularly after the Euro 2024 setback.

Spalletti’s direct communication style has occasionally sparked friction. His past feud with Roma icon Francesco Totti in 2016 and recent comments about Acerbi’s age illustrate this tendency. Managing player relationships remains a key challenge for the coach.

• Notable Spalletti controversies:
• Clashing with Totti, leading to the legend’s exclusion from Roma.
• Remarks about Acerbi’s age, perceived as dismissive.
• Criticism for the team’s lack of intensity at Euro 2024.

Qualifiers preparation

Italy approaches the World Cup qualifiers under significant pressure. The Norway match in Oslo is a formidable challenge, given Haaland’s scoring prowess. Acerbi’s absence forces Spalletti to rely on less experienced defenders, a gamble that could either signal renewal or expose vulnerabilities.

The Moldova game, hosted in Italy, is seen as more manageable, but the team cannot afford slip-ups to secure a strong group position. The FIGC continues to back Spalletti, though consistent results are vital to easing tensions.

Social media buzz

Acerbi’s refusal has ignited discussions online, with hashtags about the player and Spalletti trending in Italy. Inter fans have flooded platforms with support for Acerbi, while others argue that national team duties should transcend personal disputes. The debate underscores the passion surrounding Italian football.

• Key online reactions:
• Inter supporters praising Acerbi’s boldness.
• National team fans labeling the refusal as disrespectful.
• Calls for Spalletti to address team management issues.

Acerbi’s national team prospects

While Acerbi left the door open for a return, his relationship with Spalletti appears severely strained. He emphasized that any comeback would depend on a more respectful environment. For now, Acerbi is focused on Inter’s Serie A campaign, where the club vies for the top spot.

The FIGC has yet to comment officially, but the incident highlights the need for better communication within the national team. Italy, no stranger to internal crises, faces another hurdle in its quest for stability.