Francesco Acerbi, the Inter Milan defender, has decided not to join the Italian national team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in June, despite being named in Luciano Spalletti`s latest squad. This decision comes in the wake of Inter`s devastating 5-0 defeat in the Champions League final on Saturday night.
During a press conference at Coverciano, Italy`s national team coach Luciano Spalletti confirmed that Acerbi has “not responded to the call-up” and is expected to remain at home following Inter`s heavy loss in the Champions League final.
The 37-year-old Acerbi had been called up for the first time in over a year for World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Moldova scheduled for June 6 and June 9.
Spalletti Addresses Acerbi`s Absence
“Acerbi did not respond to the call-up,” Spalletti stated during his press conference on Sunday. “Let`s move on. It`s not a physical issue; he`s been reflecting on recent events. He had some doubts previously. It`s true that we have to be cautious at the end of the season, and it wasn`t easy to make these selections.”
Acerbi was originally included in a list of defenders alongside his Inter teammate Alessandro Bastoni, as well as players from other clubs including Napoli, Juventus, Hellas Verona, Milan, Tottenham, and Atalanta.
It`s worth noting that Napoli`s Alessandro Buongiorno has also withdrawn from the squad and has been replaced by Fiorentina`s Luca Ranieri.