Inter defender Francesco Acerbi has candidly discussed his strained relationship with former Italy coach Luciano Spalletti, explaining his decision to decline a national team call-up and affirming his readiness to represent Italy under a potential new leadership by Gennaro Gattuso for the 2026 World Cup.
Acerbi revealed he felt “used” by Spalletti during a period when the centre-back was effectively sidelined from international duty. Initially, Spalletti had publicly suggested that the 37-year-old was too old to be part of the squad for the upcoming EURO 2024 qualifiers, seeking to build a younger team.
However, when the Azzurri faced a crucial World Cup qualifier against Norway, Spalletti evidently found himself in a difficult position due to injuries and reportedly reversed his stance, attempting to recall Acerbi. By this point, the trust between player and coach had been compromised.
Acerbi Explains Spalletti Rift
“I didn’t go to the Euros, so I underwent surgery, even if I had done everything to be fit for the tournament,” Acerbi told Sky Sport Italia. “In any case, I didn’t receive any phone call to tell me I wasn’t included. I don’t expect anything in football, so it ended there. He is the coach, he is paid to decide which players to pick, that’s not a problem.”
Acerbi further elaborated on where the real issue began: “Where it became an issue was that he said some things in public that frankly weren’t very nice, nor necessary.”
The veteran defender also detailed the nature of Spalletti’s direct communication when a call-up was eventually offered. “Spalletti had called twice, then that morning he rang up almost apologising. But then he said there were injuries, so I’d basically be called up to play against Norway and that’s it. He didn’t say maybe he’d keep me in mind for the World Cup or other matches, nothing,” Acerbi continued.
This approach left Acerbi feeling undervalued. “When you put this together with what he’d said before, I felt used. I’m 37 years old, I’ve played for many years, so if I’m wanted for just one match and then will get dumped again, I may as well stay home. I am not Leo Messi, nor Pele, I am a nobody, but after what happened to call up and say those things…”
Spalletti was subsequently relieved of his duties following Italy’s 3-0 defeat to Norway – the very match for which Acerbi was considered solely for the purpose of marking striker Erling Haaland.
With Gennaro Gattuso now in charge, Acerbi was asked about a potential return to the Nazionale under the new leadership. “I live for my family and for football, I always said that I will always be ready to play for Italy, just not in that particular circumstance… I wasn’t trying to say goodbye to the national team forever.”
He concluded, expressing his clear stance: “So far, Gattuso has said no. He is the coach, he is the one who decides, so if he was to call, I’d be ready. If not, I continue along my path.”
