Finally Spalletti received a correct answer from Acerbi when the Inter player has just made an unprecedented proposal in the history of the Italian team !!
In a dramatic turning point that shocked Italian football, the defender of Inter Francesco Acerbi gave a clear and unprecedented response to the Italian national team coach Luciano Spalletti. The 37 -year -old, who recently retired from the team for the World Cup qualifying against Norway and Moldova, has advanced a courageous proposal that marks a historical moment for the Azzurri. Acerbi’s decision, combined with his public declarations, has triggered a heated debate, with critics and fans who asked themselves about the implications that this would have had for the future of the national team and his fought coach.
The story began shortly after the overwhelming defeat of Inter for 5-0 against the Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final, on May 31, 2025 at the Allianz Arena in Monaco. Acerbi, who played a fundamental role on the path of Inter towards the final, also scoring a decisive goal of the tie in the semifinal against Barcelona, informed Spalletti who would not have joined the national team for the next stop. Due to an alleged lack of respect by the coach, Acerbi’s refusal to respond to the convocation was a rare and controversial move, described as unprecedented in the history of the Italian national team. In a post on Instagram, Acerbi said: “There are no conditions to go on with serenity”, alluding to latent tensions with Spalletti. He also insinuated that there was no respect from “Who should guide a group”, a sharp observation aimed at Italy’s coach.

Spalletti, under pressure after Italy’s defeat 3-0 against Norway in a qualifying match at the World Cup of June 6, 2025, replied with a mixture of frustration and sarcasm. During a press conference, he observed that Acerbi had to clarify what he meant by “lack of respect” and even jokingly hypothesized that the social account of the former Italian national team Roberto Mancini had been hacked after seeing Acerbi’s decision. The public bickering between the player and coach has done nothing but aggravate the crisis surrounding the national team, which desperately tries to avoid losing the third consecutive World Cup after the lack of qualifications of 2018 and 2022.
Acerbi’s latest move, however, brought the situation to a higher level. According to sources close to the player, Acerbi proposed a formal meeting with Spalletti and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) to discuss his future with the national team and face the wider issues within the team. This proposal is unprecedented because it represents a player who assumes a proactive role in an attempt to resolve a public dispute with the national team management, which is rarely seen in the glorious history of Italian football. Acerbi, apparently, asks for clarity on his role within the team and guarantees of mutual respect for the future. He also expressed his willingness to make a mentor to younger defenders, such as Alessandro Bastoni, while recognizing that his owner period could be close to the end.
The timing of Acerbi’s proposal is particularly significant. Spalletti announced his exemption during a press conference on June 8, 2025, revealing that he would resign after the qualifying match at the World Cup of Italy against Moldova. The 3-0 defeat against Norway, added to the withdrawal of Acerbi and the accidents of key defenders such as Riccardo Calafiori and Alessandro Buongiorno, has highlighted the fragility of the Italian defensive line. The former coach of the national team Fabio Capello criticized Acerbi’s decision, claiming that a player of his experience should have answered the call to demonstrate his value, especially after Spalletti’s public statements about the need for younger players. Capello’s statements reflect a wider feeling between some fans and experts who consider Acerbi’s refusal a sign of weakness at a time when Italy needed unity.
On the other hand, Acerbi has obtained the support of some, including the legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, a member of the technical staff of the national team. Buffon underlined the honor of representing Italy, but did not condemn Acerbi, insinuating that the situation was complex. In the meantime, the X posts have highlighted conflicting reactions, with some who praise Acerbi for having asserted themselves and others who question his commitment for the national team.
Acerbi’s proposal could represent a turning point for Italy, forcing the FIGC to a showdown on how to manage the coach-player relationship and reconstruct a team that has struggled to find its ancient splendor. With the imminent departure of Spalletti and the rumors that Claudio Ranieri would be one of the favorites to replace him, Acerbi’s initiative could influence the next chapter of the blue path. It remains to be seen if his proposal will lead to reconciliation or to a further division, but one thing is certain: Francesco Acerbi has left an indelible mark on Italian football with an action that will be remembered as a historical moment for the national team.