Inter defender refuses to join Italy

Italian national team head coach Luciano Spaletti confirmed that defender Francesco Archerbi rejected the national team's call for personal reasons.

Achelby refused to play for the Italian national team. Coach Spalletti added Archerby's name to the roster for preparing for the European League and the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. In the two upcoming World Cup qualifiers this month, the "Blue Army" will play against Norway and Moldova.

However, Coach Spaletti said Archerby did not respond to his call decision. At a press conference on June 1, the tactical master said: "The national team will continue to move forward. This is not a physical fitness issue, but his thoughts over the past period of time."

In the 2024/25 season, Archerby played in all competitions for Inter Milan, and participated in the 0-5 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on June 1.

According to Italian media reports, Archelby has decided not to participate in the Italian national team's game in June. The defender has just experienced a period of high pressure and needs a break now.

Accelby, 37, has been playing for the national team since 2014, and has made a total of 34 appearances and scored 1 goal. It is worth noting that returning to the field after two defeats of testicular cancer is considered a miracle.

At present, the entire Inter Milan team has returned to the country. The Evening Post reported that the team was shrouded in a haze, and the pain of failure was still deeply engraved in the hearts of every member of the club.

Inter Milan will have about two weeks to rest, after which they will regroup to prepare for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.