Inter Milan Acerbi Declines Italy Call-Up Citing Discontent

Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi has declined a call-up to the Italian national team for upcoming World Cup qualifiers, citing a lack of respect and feeling excluded from coach Luciano Spalletti's project. Acerbi emphasized that his decision was not influenced by Inter's recent 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, but rather by strained relations within the team leadership. He expressed that while wearing the Azzurri jersey has always been an honor, he prefers to step aside rather than remain where he feels unwanted. Acerbi left open the possibility of returning to the national team in the future, making clear his decision is not final nor driven by anger or disappointment. This move has drawn criticism from outlets like Gazzetta dello Sport, which argue that Acerbi's withdrawal shows a lack of courage and sets a poor example. Former Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon also weighed in, underscoring the honor of representing Italy and implying Acerbi's refusal goes beyond just declining a coach's selection but to the nation itself.