"Acerbi did not respond to the call-up" . This was announced by the national coach Luciano Spalletti in the first press conference at Coverciano where Italy is gathered to prepare for the World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Moldova.

The Azzurri coach explained that the Inter defender – fresh from the debacle in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain – communicated his choice this morning, with a text message, which was followed by a phone call.

"These are the player's personal considerations , after he thought about what happened around him ," said the Italian coach, referring to the final lost in Monaco by Inter.

"I called him - added the coach - taking into account what the championship offers and what he has shown especially in the last period" . But the Nerazzurri centre-back has decided to decline the call-up. "I take note of it", Spalletti said.

(Online Union)

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