Inter Milan Star Under Fire For Controversial Refusal Of Italy Call-Up Post Champions League Debacle | OneFootball

Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi has received criticism for the decision to refuse a call-up for Italy.

Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, argue that the 37-year-old “lacked courage” and has set a bad example.

Yesterday, Francesco Acerbi confirmed that he won’t be in the Italy squad for this international break.

The Inter defender will play no part in World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Moldova.

This in spite of the fact that Azzurri coach Luciano Spalletti had called Acerbi up. The 37-year-old refused the call-up, telling Spalletti yesterday that he was pulling out of the squad.

Inter Defender Francesco Acerbi Under Fire For Refusing Italy Call-Up

BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 20: Francesco Acerbi of FC Internazionale looks on as he sits on the ground during the Serie A match between Bologna and FC Internazionale at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on April 20, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Acerbi strongly hinted at dissatisfaction behind the scenes with his statement yesterday explaining why he would not be part of the Italy squad this week.

Moreover, the former Lazio and Sassuolo defender did leave the door open to a return.

The veteran defender could very well be part of the Azzurri squad at the World Cup next summer.

However, the Gazzetta argue that if that is to be the case, then Francesco Acerbi has shown entirely the wrong attitude.

The Inter defender has not simply made the decision to retire. Rather, he has withdrawn from the squad for his own personal reasons.

Acerbi claimed in his statement that the humiliating 5-0 drubbing that Inter received at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final is not the reason.

However, it is hard to ignore that as a factor.

Then, there would be the prospect that Acerbi is not a player Spalletti intends to start.

In any event, the Gazzetta argue, there is a lack of “courage” and fortitude in Acerbi’s decision. He is one of Italy’s most experienced players, and has sent the wrong message to the rest of the team.