Football, Spalletti: "With text Acerbi said no to Italy". Inter defender: 'I'm not staying where I'm not wanted'

"Acerbi has not responded to the call-up". This was announced by Luciano Spalletti in the first press conference at Coverciano, where Italy are assembled to prepare for the World Cup qualifying matches against Norway and Moldova. The Italian national football team coach explained that the Inter defender communicated his choice this morning by text message, which was followed by a call. "These are personal considerations of the player, he thought about what happened around him," said the Azzurri coach. "I had called him taking into account what the championship offers for what he has shown, especially in the last period.

"This morning," Spalletti added, "he informed me of the decision by message, then I spoke to him by phone. There are other deserving players, I have to think about qualifying Italy for the World Cup". The coach added: "For me Acerbi has value, we knew he had physical problems, he had had surgery, I had given space to other defenders at the time. However, we take note of his decision. If he will be replaced? We'll see, the news is fresh, we'll evaluate calmly and serenely.

'I'm not staying where I'm no longer really wanted and it's clear that I'm not part of the coach's project'. With these words, in a long message posted on his Instagram profile, Francesco Acerbi then justified his no to being called up for the national team. He wrote: 'In light of recent events, the conditions do not exist today to continue this path serenely. I am not looking for alibis or favours, but I demand respect. And if this respect is lacking from those who should lead a group, then I prefer to step aside'.