Gigi Buffon, head of the Italian national team delegation, recently addressed the significance of national team call-ups, specifically commenting on the situation involving Francesco Acerbi. Buffon stated that when a player opts out of a call-up, they are not saying no merely to coach Luciano Spalletti, but to something far greater – Italy itself.
Speaking to RaiSport, Buffon elaborated that figures like himself, Coach Spalletti, and past managers or directors are temporary custodians. Their time representing Italy is finite. The enduring and crucial value lies in the honor of wearing the blue jersey (la maglia azzurra) and representing the entire Italian football movement. This value, he stressed, is indispensable.