Inter Milan Defender Refuses Italy Call-Up: ‘As Things Stand Today The Conditions Aren’t There For Me To Press Forward With Serenity | OneFootball

Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi has officially announced that he’s pulled out of the Italy squad for the international break.

The 37-year-old Nerazzurri veteran wrote in an Instagram post that “the conditions aren’t there” for him to take part at the moment.

Francesco Acerbi received a call-up from Italy coach Luciano Spalletti for the upcoming international break,

The Azzurri take on Norway and Moldova in FIFA World Cup qualifiers over the next couple weeks.

However, Acerbi has also had club matters to consider. Inter were in the Champions League final yesterday. There, they suffered a crushing 5-0 loss at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.

Naturally, that defeat has come as a massive blow for the Nerazzurri. Both as a team, and in terms of the individual players.

Therefore, it is perhaps not surprising to see some fallout ahead of the international break.

Inter Defender Francesco Acerbi Pulls Out Of Italy Squad: “The Conditions Aren’t There”

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)

Inter defender Francesco Acerbi explains why he did not accept Spalletti’s call-up for Italy. “After deep reflection,” he writes, “I communicated to the coach today that I won’t accept the national team call-up.”

“It’s not a decision that I’ve taken lightly,” the 37-year-old continues.

“Because wearing the Azzurri shirt has always been an honour and a source of pride for me.”

“However, I believe that, in light of recent events, the conditions aren’t there today for me to go forward with serenity,” Acerbi admits.

“I’m not looking for excuses or favours. But I demand respect.”

“And if that respect is lacking from those who should lead a group, then I prefer to step aside,” Acerbi goes on.

“I’m not someone who takes a call-up for granted. I’ve always given everything.”

“But I won’t stay where I’m no longer truly wanted, and it’s clear that I’m not part of the coach’s project.”

“That’s my decision,” Acerbi announces. “And as I told the coach this morning, it’s not final.”

“Nor is it dictated by anger, much less by ‘depression’ after losing the Champions League final.”

“But only by a need to step back,” Acerbi adds.

“I wish the best to the national team and to my teammates,” Francesco Acerbi concludes. “I’ll continue to cheer them on with the same sense of attachment I’ve always shown on the pitch.”