Luciano Spalletti has responded to Francesco Acerbi's claim of being disrespected after refusing a call-up to the Italy squad.
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Acerbi snubs Italy call-up citing “disrespect”Spalletti says defender must explain his claimJokes Mancini's phone was “stolen” after tweetFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Inter defender Acerbi turned down a national team call-up, claiming disrespect from Italy boss Spalletti. The former Napoli manager responded by saying Acerbi owes him and the squad an explanation. The drama was further stirred when former Azzurri coach Roberto Mancini appeared to “like” Acerbi’s post online, prompting Spalletti to joke that someone must’ve stolen or hacked his phone.
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The controversy comes just days before Italy’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Norway. With several injuries plaguing the squad, including striker Moise Kean and multiple defenders, Spalletti is dealing with a reduced group. Despite the tension and off-field drama, he emphasised the team’s focus and motivation heading into what he called a “match that can take us to the World Cup.”
WHAT SPALLETTI SAID
Spalletti was asked for his reaction to Acerbi's comments at a press conference ahead of their qualifying match, saying: “One day, Acerbi will explain to me where it is that I showed him disrespect. And I will tell him what I think about respect for what he did to me and above all to the Italy squad.”
The situation took another twist when Mancini appeared to ‘like’ Acerbi’s message on social media, with Spalletti responding: “Either someone stole his phone or is going around putting likes on things to make him look bad,” he joked. “Nowadays phones are always getting hacked, so I couldn’t possibly think otherwise…”
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR ITALY?
Italy will hope to kick off their campaign with a win when they face Norway in Oslo in their Group I opener for the World Cup qualifiers
