Inter Milan Veteran Defender Open To Returning To Italy National Team Under Gennaro Gattuso | OneFootball

Inter Milan center-back Francesco Acerbi could reportedly return to the Italy national team under new head coach Gennaro Gattuso.

According to Tuttosport via FCInterNews, the 37-year-old is open to rekindling his national team status after Luciano Spalletti’s exit.

Francesco Acerbi fell out of favor with the former Inter and Napoli manager.

Indeed, the veteran star tumbled down the pecking order.

Therefore, he decided to withdraw from the Azzurri team until further notice.

However, the recent managerial change could change Acerbi’s situation.

Inter Milan Ace Francesco Acerbi Open to Returning to Italy National Team

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Francesco Acerbi of FC Internazionale shows appreciation to the fans following 3-2 victory after the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Monza at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 08, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Gennaro Gattuso took charge of the national team in June, after Spalletti decided to leave on mutual consent.

Furthermore, the ex-AC Milan midfielder won his first two games in charge.

Indeed, the Azzurri dispatched Estonia and Israel in their last two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Acerbi was not part of the squad.

However, the former Lazio defender could soon make his return to the national team.

With new Liverpool star Giovanni Leoni injured, there’s an open slot in Italy’s backline.