Method for controlling an internal combustion engine

A method for controlling an internal combustion engine (1) comprising a number (W) of cylinders (3) and wherein the air mass trapped in each cylinder (3) is adjusted by means of a respective intake valve by means of an actuation device with variable opening law; the method includes determining the required total target torque (C i_objt ) to be delivered; determining a number (Wa) of active cylinders (3) and a number (Ws) of inactive cylinders (3); determining the angle for controlling the intake valve of the number (Wa) of active cylinders (3) and of the number (Ws) of inactive cylinders (3), respectively; and controlling the internal combustion engine (1) as a function of the control angle of the intake valves of the number (Wa) of active cylinders (3) and of the number (Ws) of inactive cylinders (3).