Francesco Acerbi says Italy must ‘start from scratch’ and insists all players must have ‘exemplary behaviour.’
The Inter and Italy defender spoke at a press conference attended by Football Italia at Coverciano on Thursday.
Acerbi was injured in September and was not called up by coach Luciano Spalletti so this is the first time Acerbi trains under the Azzurri CT.
“Spalletti called me [in September] and was very nice,” said Acerbi.
“I got injured in August so we agreed that I should have worked to get back in shape during the break. I needed it to return to training with the team.
“It must always be a privilege to wear Italy’s shirt. We represent an entire country, not just a city. The behaviour must be exemplary, both here and with the clubs,” continued the Inter defender.
“Out of respect for ourselves, our teammates, staff, and the entire nation, we must always have an exemplary attitude.
“The environment is calm and we work hard. The coach is working on his concepts and we are working to satisfy him.
“When the national team calls, you must aim for something more. It’s something everyone wants, so a little pain can be bearable. If a player fears getting injured, it is better not to be called up. If somebody fears getting hurt, it is easier to suffer an injury.”
At this point, Acerbi was asked if this was the reason why Italy didn’t qualify for the World Cup in 2022.
“No, I think it did not depend on the players, but it had to do with the mentality. It’s just our fault if we were eliminated against North Macedonia. In the past, we lacked a little bit of lightheartedness, but now that we have that serenity, we must start from scratch put it into practice. We won the Euros despite not being favourites. We were a hard-working team where everybody did the maximum to reach an unexpected result.”
What is Spalletti focusing on tactically?
“The coach wants us to have a winning mentality, be attacking-minded, with his concepts. We must be courageous, determined and have a desire to win which is what counts.
“We must all sacrifice, here and with our clubs. Young players here are talented and motivated. They must prove they want to fight. That’s what we need with the national team.
“Spalletti’s Napoli was very strong. They got to the Champions League quarter-finals. They played with two touches and deserved to win the Serie A title, surely. Now, he is trying to bring his ideas to make sure we have our identity, we play the ball and show the personality he wants.”
Acerbi was asked if his claims on ‘exemplary behaviour’ had to do with the betting scandal involving Juventus midfielder Nicolò Fagioli, although the 22-year-old was not mentioned.
“No, I mean everyone must know what to do to carry out the work in the best way. This is not tennis, you are not alone. You work with your teammates and staff members so you must have an exemplary attitude. I mean respect for yourself and the others. We must have big targets and do our best to achieve them. [What I said] has nothing to do with what happened. We are focused on the next two games. What happened will be judged by other people.
“We must focus on Malta first,” continued Acerbi.
“They play good football. We were eliminated from the World Cup against North Macedonia, so we must be even more focused than against these teams. In today’s football, every team is organised with good players and coaches, so you need full commitment and focus to avoid making a bad impression.
“England would want revenge; winning the Euros in their stadium was nice for us, not much for them. They will try to beat us, but we’ll be ready.”
Does Acerbi feel like a leader in this team?
“I speak a lot on the pitch, I try to help my teammates and put things in order,” he admitted.
“I try to speak at the right time and in the right way. I still feel well mentally and physically. I am still fit and I try to help my teammates. I feel old, but just for my age. I try to set the example with my attitude, questioning myself and having the desire to play on and off the pitch. Facts are more important and I like them more.”