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

Gattuso’s appointment on June 15, 2025, came at a precarious moment for Italy, sitting third in Group I of World Cup qualifying after a humiliating defeat to Norway. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) turned to the 47-year-old World Cup winner, known for his fiery passion and pragmatic approach, to revive the team’s fortunes. However, few anticipated that Gattuso’s first act would be to overhaul the squad by dropping three prominent Inter players, a move that has caused uproar given Inter’s strong Serie A performances and their run to the UEFA Champions League final earlier this year. While the specific names of the excluded players have not been officially disclosed, Italian media outlets, including Corriere dello Sport, suggest that Francesco Acerbi, a defensive cornerstone for Inter, is among those cut, alongside two other Nerazzurri stars.

Gattuso’s rationale for the decision was blunt. During a press conference on June 19, 2025, marking his official unveiling as Italy’s coach, he stated: “I have a vision for this team, and I need players who reflect it. Some players, despite their quality, don’t fit my plans for the future.” This statement, widely interpreted as a direct reference to the Inter trio, has fueled speculation about the criteria behind his selections. Gattuso’s coaching philosophy, shaped by his gritty playing style and experiences at clubs like Napoli, Valencia, and Marseille, emphasizes discipline, intensity, and tactical flexibility. Sources close to the FIGC indicate that Gattuso is prioritizing younger, more versatile players to rebuild the team for the 2026 World Cup, a tournament Italy desperately wants to qualify for after missing the previous two editions.

The exclusion of Inter players has not been well-received, particularly by Francesco Acerbi, who has been a mainstay in Inter’s defense and a key figure in their recent successes. The 37-year-old defender, a starter in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 31, 2025, expressed his frustration on social media. In a fiery Instagram post, Acerbi wrote: “I’ve given everything for the Azzurri and my club, but apparently respect is in short supply. If I’m not wanted, I’ll step aside, but don’t expect me to stay silent when my commitment is questioned.” His words echo sentiments he expressed earlier in June when he withdrew from Spalletti’s squad, citing a “lack of respect” from the former coach. Acerbi’s response has fueled speculation about a deeper rift between Inter players and the national team setup, with some suggesting Gattuso’s decision may stem from tactical preferences or personal differences.

The controversy over Gattuso’s selections comes at a critical juncture for Italy. With pivotal qualifiers against Estonia and Israel scheduled for September 2025, the pressure on Gattuso is immense, and his focus is on delivering results. His coaching resume, while mixed, includes a Coppa Italia triumph with Napoli in 2020, but his short and often turbulent stints at clubs like Fiorentina and Hajduk Split have raised doubts about his suitability for the national team role. Critics, including former Milan midfielder Riccardo Montolivo, have questioned Gattuso’s credentials, with Montolivo stating: “He’s not someone I respect,” citing their strained relationship during his time at Milan. Despite such skepticism, Gattuso’s supporters argue that his passion and connection to the 2006 World Cup-winning team make him the right man to instill grit and determination in a squad that has struggled in recent years.

Meanwhile, Inter fans have rallied behind their players, viewing Gattuso’s decision as an affront to the club’s recent dominance in Italian football. Inter’s 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final has been a point of contention, with some suggesting Gattuso is unfairly targeting Inter players to deflect blame for Italy’s broader struggles. Others, however, argue that Gattuso is simply making tough calls to align the team with his tactical vision, which reportedly includes experimenting with three different formations, as noted in some X posts. The exclusion of Inter stars could pave the way for emerging talents like Parma’s Giovanni Leoni, who has been tipped as a potential replacement for Acerbi at both club and international levels.

As Italy prepares for its upcoming challenges, Gattuso’s bold move has set the tone for his tenure. Whether his decision to drop the Inter trio proves to be a masterstroke or a misstep remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly put the football world on notice. Acerbi’s defiant response, coupled with mixed reactions from fans and former players, suggests that Gattuso’s path as Italy’s coach will be anything but smooth. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, all eyes will be on the Azzurri to see if Gattuso can harness his fiery spirit to restore Italy to glory or if this initial controversy will derail his ambitions before they even begin.