A method and system for operating an internal combustion engine equipped with a turbocharger and an exhaust gas recirculation pipe fluidly connecting an exhaust gas line to an air intake duct upstream of a compressor of the turbocharger is disclosed. A value of a parameter indicative of a temperature of an exhaust gas is determined, and an internal recirculation strategy of the exhaust gas is actuated if the determined value is lower than a predetermined threshold value thereof. The internal recirculation strategy includes interrupting a flowing of exhaust gas through the exhaust gas recirculation pipe, and opening an exhaust valve during an intake stroke of a piston of the internal combustion engine.