Age Is Nothing But A Number – Inter Milan Veteran Tipped To Earn Call-Up For Italy | OneFootball

Veteran Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi is set to return to the Italy squad with a call-up for the upcoming international break.

This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews. They anticipate that Luciano Spalletti will rely on the 37-year-old for World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Moldova.

Defender Francesco Acerbi was last in the Italian national team squad for a EURO 2024 qualifier against Ukraine.

That match had been in 2023.

Acerbi had initially been part of the Azzurri squad for the Euros last summer. However, he had to pull out of the squad to receive surgery on a groin problem.

Then, it seemed that Acerbi’s time with the national team might be up.

Now well into his thirties, the former Lazio and Sassuolo defender will certainly have to make way for younger players in his position sooner or later.

But maybe not quite yet, suggests the Gazzetta dello Sport.

Inter Milan Defender Francesco Acerbi Tipped For Return To Italy Squad

FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 14: Francesco Acerbi of Italy looks on during the training session at. Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on November 14, 2022 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

According to the Gazzetta, there is a good chance that Francesco Acerbi will be back in the Italy fold.

The newspaper report that Azzurri coach Luciano Spalletti will likely include the 37-year-old in the provisional squad list for the upcoming international break.

Italy play two World Cup qualifiers in June. They face Norway, and then Moldova.

And the Gazzetta note that Acerbi may well have a specific job to do in the first of those matches.

The Inter defender has already shown that he can all but nullify star Norway and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.

Acerbi has won his battle with the ex-Borussia Dortmund striker on two occasions when Inter have faced City in the Champions League.

Meanwhile, Acerbi has remained as reliable as ever for the Nerazzurri in Serie A as well as Europe.

Therefore, even at 37 years of age, the veteran defender’s club form may earn him a place in the national team plans.