BREAKING NEWS: The first thing the new Italian coach Gennaro Gattuso did was to remove 3 Inter names from the official list “They are not part of my plans”. Acerbi immediately gave a harsh response!!

Gennaro Gattuso, the recently appointed coach of the Italian national team, has wasted no time in making bold decisions that have shocked the football world. In his first major move since taking over from Luciano Spalletti, the former AC Milan legend has reportedly dropped three key Inter players from the Azzurri’s official squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The decision, confirmed by multiple sources, has sparked heated debate, with veteran Inter defender Francesco Acerbi responding harshly to Gattuso’s announcement. The dramatic shake-up marks the beginning of a new era for Italian football, but has already sparked controversy among fans and pundits.

Gattuso’s appointment on June 15, 2025, came at a time when Italy were in a precarious position in World Cup qualifying, third in Group I after a humiliating defeat to Norway. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) turned to the 47-year-old world champion, known for his fiery passion and pragmatic approach, to revive the team’s fortunes. However, few predicted that Gattuso’s first act would be to overhaul the squad by dropping three key Inter players, a move that has caused a stir given Inter’s strong showing in Serie A and their run to the UEFA Champions League final earlier this year. While the specific names of the players excluded have not been officially released, some Italian media, including Corriere dello Sport, suggest that Inter’s defensive stalwart Francesco Acerbi is among those excluded, along with two other Nerazzurri stars.

Gattuso’s rationale for the decision was straightforward. In a press conference on June 19, 2025, during his official unveiling as Italy coach, he said: “I have a vision for this team and I need players who reflect it. Some players, despite their quality, do not fit into my plans for the future.” The statement, widely interpreted as a direct reference to the Inter trio, sparked speculation about the criteria behind his selections. Gattuso’s coaching philosophy, shaped by his aggressive playing style and experiences at clubs such as Napoli, Valencia and Marseille, emphasizes discipline, intensity and tactical flexibility. Sources close to the FIGC indicate that Gattuso is prioritizing younger, more versatile players as he rebuilds the team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, a tournament Italy are desperate to qualify for after missing out on the previous two editions.

The exclusion of Inter players has not been welcomed, particularly by Francesco Acerbi, who has been a pillar of the Nerazzurri’s defence and a key figure in their recent success. The 37-year-old defender, who started the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 31, 2025, took to social media to express his frustration. In a heated Instagram post, Acerbi wrote: “I have given everything for the Azzurri and my club, but it seems respect is in short supply. If I am not wanted, I will step aside, but don’t expect me to remain silent when my commitment is questioned.” His words echo sentiments expressed in early June, when he withdrew from Spalletti’s team, citing a “lack of respect” from his former coach. Acerbi’s response has fueled speculation about a deeper rift between Inter’s players and the national team structure, with some suggesting Gattuso’s decision may have been influenced by tactical preferences or personal differences.

The controversy over Gattuso’s selection comes at a critical time for Italy. With crucial qualifiers against Estonia and Israel in September 2025, the pressure on Gattuso is on and off and his focus is on getting results. His coaching resume, while mixed, includes a Coppa Italia triumph with Napoli in 2020, but his brief and often tumultuous spells at clubs such as Fiorentina and Hajduk Split have raised questions about his suitability for the national team role. Critics, including former AC Milan midfielder Riccardo Montolivo, have questioned Gattuso’s credentials, with Montolivo saying: “He is not a person I respect,” citing their strained relationship during his time at Milan. Despite such skepticism, Gattuso fans argue that his passion and connection to the 2006 World Cup-winning team make him the right man to inject grit and determination into a team that has struggled in recent years.

Meanwhile, Inter fans are rallying behind their players, viewing Gattuso’s decision as an affront to the club’s recent dominance of Italian football. The Nerazzurri’s 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final has been a source of contention, with some suggesting that Gattuso is unfairly targeting Inter’s players to shift the blame for Italy’s wider struggles. However, others argue that Gattuso is simply making tough decisions to align the team with his tactical vision, which reportedly includes experimenting with three different formations, as reported in posts on X. The exclusion of Inter’s stars could pave the way for emerging talents, such as Parma’s Giovanni Leoni, who has been tipped as a potential replacement for Acerbi at both club and international level.

As Italy prepares for the challenges ahead, Gattuso’s bold move has set the tone for his tenure. Whether his decision to abandon the Inter trio will prove a masterstroke or a misstep remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly put the footballing world on notice. Acerbi’s defiant response, coupled with mixed reactions from fans and former players, suggests that Gattuso’s journey as Italy coach will be anything but straightforward. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, all eyes will be on the Azzurri to see whether Gattuso can harness his fiery spirit to lead Italy back to glory, or whether this initial controversy derails his ambitions before they even begin.