Gattuso officially becomes Italy’s coach, stance on Acerbi remains unchanged

Gennaro Gattuso officially assumed duties as Italy’s national team coach through a press conference held yesterday. The high-tempered coach immediately faced sensitive questions regarding Francesco Acerbi’s situation.

The former Inter Milan defender previously had tensions with former coach Luciano Spalletti — the decision to exclude Acerbi from team plans remains maintained by Gattuso.

“If there’s no respect from those leading the group, then I choose to step aside. I won’t stay where I’m no longer wanted,” stated Acerbi when refusing the previous national team call-up.

“It’s very clear that I’m not part of the coach’s project,” he added regarding the situation.

This conflict originated when Acerbi felt he was only called up as a backup during the national team’s defensive crisis — a perspective that further strained his relationship with team management.