Italy coach Luciano Spalletti has denied PSG midfielder Marco Verratti turned down a selection call.

Verratti is currently in Doha to sign with Al-Arabi.

Spalletti said: “I could not call everyone, but I did call somebody.

“I did call him [Verratti], but I don't have the perception he said so. On the contrary, he said he was glad I had called him, [Leonardo] Bonucci said the same thing. Despite all the difficulties, they'd like to help the national team. This is what they said.

“I tried to talk to some coaches too," continued Spalletti.

“I managed to speak to some, while others didn't pick up the phone, maybe they don't have my number. I want to involve everyone even if, there is a project to carry forward and the priority is to qualify."