Italy players requested World Cup bonus before play-off defeat by Bosnia
Italy players asked the Italian Football Federation for a €300,000 qualification bonus before their shock World Cup play-off defeat by Bosnia.
The Azzurri failed to reach the global tournament for a third successive time after losing 4-1 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw.
Manager Gennaro Gattuso reportedly had to intervene to stop the squad from continuing financial negotiations with the national governing body.
The former AC Milan midfielder insisted that any monetary rewards should only be discussed once their place at the tournament was officially secured.
Disappointment follows premature demands
Moise Kean had given the four-time world champions an early lead in the 15th minute of the crucial play-off tie.
However, a 41st-minute red card for defender Alessandro Bastoni proved costly as Bosnia and Herzegovina eventually forced the game into extra time.
The resulting shootout elimination means the European nation has not successfully qualified for a World Cup since the 2014 edition.
Furthermore, their last knockout victory on the global stage came when they lifted the prestigious trophy in 2006.
Backlash and faint qualification hopes
News of the £261,885 squad demand, which equates to roughly £8,700 per player, has sparked significant anger among supporters.
“Shameful. Nothing else to say about it.”
“Just goes to show where their hearts are.”
Despite the heartbreaking exit, unusual reports suggest the team could still feature at the upcoming tournament in North America.
As the highest-ranked unqualified nation, they remain first in line for a reprieve should geopolitical tensions force another competing country to withdraw.
