Acerbi explains Italy call-up rejection: ‘I’m not part of the CT’s project’

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 16: Francesco Acerbi of FC Internazionale looks on prior to the Serie A TIM match between FC Internazionale and US Salernitana – Serie A TIM at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 16, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Inter and Italy defender Francesco Acerbi has explained why he has decided to not accept a call-up to join the national team for World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Moldova coming up in June, revealing that he feels he is ‘not part of the CT’s project’. 

Acerbi, 37, had been included in Spalletti’s squad for World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Moldova on June 6 and June 9, but the CT confirmed on Sunday that the Inter centre-back has not accepted the invitation to join the national team. 

Acerbi insists that his decision to not join the Italy squad is not as a direct result of Inter’s 5-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions final on Saturday, rather that he does not see eye to eye with head coach Spalletti. 

Click here to ready everything Spalletti said from his press conference at Coverciano on Sunday. 

Acerbi: ‘I won’t stay somewhere I’m no longer really wanted’ 

Acerbi has hinted that there is a lack of respect from those who ‘lead the group’ amidst suggestions that Spalletti did not initially want to include Acerbi in his national team squad. 

“After deep consideration, I’ve informed the CT today that I will not accept the call to join the national team. It’s not a choice I took lightly, because wearing the Azzurri shirt has always been an honour and source of pride for me,” Acerbi wrote in a long post on Instagram on Sunday. 

“However, in light of recent events, the conditions to continue on this journey do not exist at the moment. I’m not looking for excuses or favours, I demand respect. And if this respect is lacking on the part of those who should lead the group, then I prefer to step aside.” 

He continued: “I’m not one to hold onto a convocation. I’ve always given everything, but I won’t stay where I’m no longer really wanted, and it’s clear that I’m not a part of the CT’s project. 

“This is my decision, and as I said this morning to the CT, it is not final, nor dictated by anger, nor by the ‘depression’ after losing a Champions final. It is a need to take a step back. 

“I wish the best to the national team, and like my teammates, I will continue to root for them with the same dedication that I have always shown on the pitch.”