Italian football legend Gianluigi Buffon has spoken out after Francesco Acerbi, a defender for Inter Milan, refused to join the Italian national team for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Buffon, who now serves as the head of Italy’s delegation, expressed his disappointment. The role was once held by another Juventus great, Gianluca Vialli.
Last week, national team coach Luciano Spalletti called up 27 players for matches against Norway and Moldova.
Among them were Juventus players Manuel Locatelli, Andrea Cambiaso, and Federico Gatti. Inter Milan also had several players selected but Acerbi declined to join.
The 37-year-old Acerbi explained that he didn’t feel welcome, hinting at past tensions with Coach Spalletti.
He also denied that his decision was linked to Inter’s heavy 0-5 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.
Buffon responded strongly, saying that rejecting the national team is not just about turning down the coach it’s about turning down the country.
“It’s not about saying no to Spalletti,” Buffon told Rai Sport. “It’s saying no to Italy, to something much bigger.”
He reminded players that coaches come and go, but the chance to represent Italy is a great honor.
“People like me, Spalletti, or other staff members are temporary,” Buffon added. “What really matters is the Azzurri shirt and what it represents.”
Buffon played 178 matches for Italy, making him the most capped player in the country’s history.
He retired from international football in 2018, handing over the goalkeeper position to Gianluigi Donnarumma.
