Italy legend Cabrini: ‘Unthinkable’ Acerbi decision but Ranieri ‘wise’ | OneFootball

Former Italy defender Antonio Cabrini insists the Azzurri need a ‘coordinator’ but admits that, at his time, it was ‘unthinkable’ to snub an international call-up for La Nazionale.

Cabrini, a former Juventus and Italy defender, a 1982 World Cup winner, analysed Italy’s struggles in an interview with Repubblica.

TURIN, ITALY – MAY 25: Claudio Ranieri, Head Coach of AS Roma looks on prior to the Serie A match between Torino and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 25, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“Times have changed; Italy plays a struggling band of football, and even if we reach the end of European competitions, we take five slaps,” he said via TMW.

Cabrini argued that the Azzurri would need to hire a coordinator to organise the national teams more efficiently and commented on Francesco Acerbi refusing to play for La Nazionale.

Cabrini: Italy snub ‘unthinkable’

MUNICH, GERMANY – MAY 31: Francesco Acerbi of FC Internazionale looks dejected as he walks past the UEFA Champions League trophy after defeat to Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League Final 2025 between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Internazionale Milano at Munich Football Arena on May 31, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

“For those of my generation, even just considering it was unthinkable,” said the ex-defender.

Claudio Ranieri has also turned down an Italy offer, but contrary to Arrigo Sacchi, Cabrini refused to blame the Roma advisor.

Cabrini: Ranieri ‘a wise man’

“He’s a wise man,” said Cabrini.

“He surely gave it a lot of thought and made the best choice for himself.”