With a strong and detailed post published on Instagram, Francesco Acerbi announced his waiver of his call-up to the national team for the 2026 World Cup qualifying challenges against Norway and Moldova. A painful but lucid decision, as he himself emphasizes, the result of a long reflection. "I am not looking for alibis or favors, but I demand respect," writes the Inter defender, who has not worn the Italian uniform since November 2023. "If this respect is lacking from those who lead a group, then I prefer to step aside". Words that leave little room for interpretation and seem to be a clear response to head coach Luciano Spalletti, with whom the relationship has long since soured. The reference is to the coach's statements last March, after the 3-3 draw against Germany in the Nations League. When asked about a possible return to the Azzurri of Acerbi, Spalletti had responded with a joke about the passage of time and reiterated his confidence in other centerbacks, including Bastoni, Calafiori, Buongiorno, and Di Lorenzo. A stance that the Nerazzurri defender has neither forgotten nor evidently swallowed. Acerbi clarified that his is not a definitive choice, but a step back for "lack of serenity" and not for emotional reasons related to the lost Champions League final. The message closes with a wish for his teammates and the national team, which, he stressed, he will continue to cheer passionately. It now remains to be seen if and when there can be a rapprochement. At the moment, however, between Acerbi and Spalletti, the wound is still deep.