❌ Who turned down Italy: from Balo and Mancio to Acerbi ⛔ | OneFootball

Over the years, the Italian National Team jersey has often been considered an untouchable symbol, a dream that every footballer should pursue at any cost.

Yet, the history of football and sports in general also tells the story of those who have said no to that call. Refusals, second thoughts, and motivations both noble and less so intertwine in a red thread that connects illustrious names and controversial gestures.

In recent hours, it was Francesco Acerbi who declined the call-up to the Azzurri, opening a case with coach Luciano Spalletti.

But before him, many others chose not to answer the call: from Roberto Mancini to Mattia Destro, from Franco Baresi to Eraldo Pecci, and even Mario Balotelli.

A history of refusals that is never easy to betray and often carries personal, political, and professional reasons.

💥 The Acerbi Case and Tension with Spalletti

The most recent case is that of Francesco Acerbi, who refused the call-up to the National Team, complaining that he had not felt considered previously.

The decision sparked a poisonous aftermath of accusations and tensions with head coach Luciano Spalletti.

☹️ Roberto Mancini and the Regret of Saying No

Roberto Mancini, now a coach and once one of the most talented players of his generation, has repeatedly admitted that his refusal to accept the call-up for the 1994 World Cup in the United States is his greatest regret.

At the time, he thought he would just be a bit player, but in hindsight he called that decision “a huge stupidity.”

😮 Destro, Romulo, and the Controversies of the 2014 World Cup

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil saw two refusals that caused a stir. Mattia Destro, Roma striker, responded with a “let me think about it” to coach Cesare Prandelli’s proposal to be a reserve. The coldness of that response and Prandelli’s surprise led to his definitive exclusion from the list of call-ups.

In those days, Romulo also decided to give up the Azzurri jersey, but for different reasons. Naturalized Italian to strengthen the team, Romulo explained that he was not in adequate physical condition to give his best and chose not to go. A responsible, though painful, choice.

🙏 Baresi and Pecci: Second Thoughts and Honesty

Franco Baresi, Milan captain, announced his farewell to the National Team in September 1992. He did so without consulting coach Arrigo Sacchi, who was surprised and upset.

Just a month later, convinced by FIGC president Antonio Matarrese, Baresi went back on his decision, calling that gesture a “strange” and impulsive farewell.

The case of Eraldo Pecci was different; the midfielder had already been part of the 1978 squad with Bearzot.

Before the 1982 World Cup, Pecci honestly told Bearzot that if his presence was only to be a reserve, it would be better to call someone else. A refusal without resentment, appreciated by Bearzot himself.

🤨 The Cases of Zigoni and Balotelli

Gianfranco Zigoni, a rebel of 1970s football, said he did not accept the call-up simply because “he didn’t feel like it.”

He played only once for the National Team, in 1967 against Romania, but his lack of focus and conviction quickly distanced him from that environment.

And finally, there is Mario Balotelli. Since 2018, he has not worn the Azzurri jersey, but a year later, once again excluded from the call-ups, he posted a provocative message on Instagram: “Maybe it won’t happen, but if one day the team needs me and I’m the one to refuse the National Team?”

The answer never came, but the topic remains alive.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.

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