Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi will not join the Italy national team squad for the upcoming June World Cup qualifiers. This decision comes despite his inclusion in Luciano Spalletti`s latest call-up, particularly after Inter`s heavy 5-0 defeat in the Champions League final on Saturday evening.
Italy coach Luciano Spalletti confirmed Acerbi`s absence during a press conference at Coverciano. Spalletti stated that Acerbi “did not respond to the call-up” and is anticipated to remain at home, likely due to the emotional impact of the significant Champions League final loss.
The 37-year-old Acerbi`s inclusion marked his first call-up to the national team in over a year. He was expected to feature in the World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Moldova scheduled for June 6th and June 9th.
Spalletti confirms Acerbi will not join Italy national team
“Acerbi did not respond to the call-up,” Spalletti told reporters on Sunday.
The coach added, “Let`s move on. It`s not a physical issue; he`s been reflecting on what happened around him.”
“He previously had some doubts,” Spalletti continued. “It`s true that we have to hold our breath at the end of the season; it wasn`t easy to make these call-ups.”
Acerbi was part of a defensive roster that also included his Inter teammate Alessandro Bastoni, Alessandro Buongiorno from Napoli, Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus, Diego Coppola from Hellas Verona, Napoli`s Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Inter`s Federico Dimarco, Milan`s Matteo Gabbia, Juventus` Federico Gatti, Destiny Udogie from Tottenham, and Davide Zappacosta of Atalanta.
Since then, Buongiorno has also withdrawn from the squad and has been replaced by Luca Ranieri from Fiorentina.
