Italy v North Macedonia: Group C - UEFA EURO 2024 European Qualifiers
Inter defender Francesco Acerbi has rejected a call-up to the Italy national team while hinting at a "lack of respect" from coach Luciano Spalletti.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Acerbi was initially named in Spalletti's squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Moldova but has turned down the invite. The 37-year-old started as Inter were hammered 5-0 by PSG in the Champions League final on Saturday but now claims the "conditions aren't there" to accept a call-up to the national team.
Paris Saint-Germain v FC Internazionale Milano - UEFA Champions League Final 2025
WHAT ACERBI SAID
Acerbi said in a statement on social media: "It's not a decision I have taken lightly. However, I believe that in light of recent events the conditions aren't there today for me to go forward with serenity. I demand respect. If that respect is lacking from those who should lead the group, I prefer to step aside. I won't stay where I'm no longer truly wanted and it's clear I'm not part of the coach's project."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Acerbi last featured for Italy in November 2023, having sustained a groin injury that saw him miss out on Euro 2024. He has been a key figure in Inter's impressive run in the Champions League.
Germany v Italy - UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg Two
WHAT NEXT FOR ITALY?
Italy are yet to play in their 2026 World Cup qualifying group under Spalletti, with rivals Norway already on six points after registering two wins in March. The Azzurri have not been at either of the last two World Cups.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Arsenal interested in Kepa Arrizabalaga They're back Chelsea confirm signing of Liam Delap (£30m) Rejected by Bruno FernandesAppointed Simone Inzaghi as new head coachIt's been a mixed week for Al-Hilal Accurate representation Cristiano Ronaldo 20+ Years Apart for Portugal..AGED like Fine Wine.The FIRST Dance vs The Last Dance.. Please stay tuned o...

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup debuts in Miami, USA, with a brand-new look. 32 top clubs will gather together to kick off the ultimate showdown among clubs. Group A takes center stage in the opening matches, featuring giants from four continents. Carrying distinct football cultures and historic missions, they will showcase their prowess on the the pitch this summer.FC PortoFC Porto, is a club based ...

Arsenal inching closer to £38m transfer for 'Mini Odegaard'Arsenal are reportedly inching closer to a £38 million move for Genk starlet Konstantinos Karetsas - who has been dubbed a "Mini Odegaard"According to reports in Greece, Arsenal are 'very close' to securing an agreement for attacking midfielder Karetsas, who can also play as a winger, to join them this summer for a fee worth up t...

Barcelona's ongoing efforts to prise Luis Diaz away from Liverpool have hit a significant snag.Diaz is ranked at no.6 in FourFourTwo's list of the best left wingers in the world right now and has just enjoyed his best-ever season for the Reds, prompting Barca to set their sights on taking the Colombian to the soon-to-reopen Camp Nou.But they may have to turn their attentions to an alternative targ...

Argentina are reportedly set to play a friendly match in Moscow - despite the Russian national team being banned by FIFA.WHAT HAPPENED?All Russian clubs and national teams were suspended from participating in FIFA and UEFA competitions following the invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. However, reports suggest the 2022 World Champions could face Russia in the November international break later this ...

Arsenal have made enquiries about signing Morgan Rogers this summer after adding him to their transfer wish list. The Gunners are intent on signing a new left-winger to compete with Gabriel Martinelli, and they aren't the only Premier League big shots to have taken an interest in the Aston Villa star.Rogers contributed to 18 goals in 37 Premier League matches last season and racked up another six ...

Rangers appoint ex-Southampton manager Russell MartinRangers have hired former Southampton boss Russell Martin as their new manager on a three-year deal.The 39-year-old’s time on the south coast was a mixed bag, securing promotion to the Premier League but failed to adapt and ultimately being sacked.Rangers have now confirmed Martin’s appointment, and he will be joined in Glasgow by as...

PSG and Lucho kick Real Madrid into Mastantuono actionPSG are forcing Real Madrid to meet the buyout clause of River Plate midfielder Franco Mastantuono.The 17 year-old is a top target for Real Madrid this summer, though only after they refused to meet River's asking price a year ago.AS says now Real are prepared to pay his €45m clause knowing PSG have made an attempt in recent days.PSG coac...

Sarina Wiegman has named Lauren James in her Euro 2025 squad (Image: Getty)Sarina Wiegman has named the England squad she will take to Euro 2025 this summer, and Lauren James has made the cut. The Chelsea forward was an injury doubt for the tournament, having not played since suffering a hamstring problem on her last outing for the Lionesses in April, but she will still be on the plane to Switzerl...

🔊 In the opening match of Group D in the COSAFA Cup, Zambia and the Comoros Islands will face off. The teams enter the tournament in contrasting form: Zambia are impressive with their unbeaten streak, while the Comoros team alternate between victories and setbacks. Both sides are highly motivated, as each aims to secure group leadership and advance to the playoffs. The line-ups suggest strategic d...


- 1 Albanian Laura Woods wows fans in Champions League final outfit
- 2 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 3 Why Premier League transfer may be off the cards for Victor Osimhen as Man Utd make 'timid' attempts to convince striker
- 4 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 5 Maya Jama and Ruben Dias share loved-up selfie
- 6 FIFA confirms 34 team base camp training sites in the United States for 2025 Club World Cup, including nine in Florida and five in Calitornia
- 7 Man Utd continue to be linked with Emi Martinez
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 10 Daily Laugh - Mbeumo and his amazing talent