According to La Repubblica, before the World Cup play-off Final against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italian players sought a €300,000 bonus to be shared among the squad for World Cup qualification.
Repubblica: Italy players wanted €10,000 bonus for World Cup qualification
La Repubblica reports that Italian footballers tried to negotiate a €300,000 bonus, circa €10,000 per player, before the World Cup play-off Final against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday.
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According to the report, however, Gennaro Gattuso dissuaded the players from continuing negotiations with the FIGC, arguing that a bonus could have been discussed only after securing a spot at the World Cup.
UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, interacts with Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy after the team’s victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Italy ultimately lost the Final against Bosnia on penalties, leading to Gattuso’s resignation on Friday.
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“The sad ending proved Rino right, but sums up the mindset with which some Italian players got to the game that could have brought Italy back to the World Cup,” Repubblica wrote.
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Head coach of Italy Gennaro Gattuso gestures during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
The Italian newspaper adds that players tried to convince Gattuso to remain in charge after the defeat in Bosnia, but the coach replied that he would not continue.
ROME, ITALY – JUNE 19: FIGC President Gabriele Gravina attends the press conference at Hotel Parco dei Principi on June 19, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
FIGC President Gabriele Gravina and Delegation Chief Gianluigi Buffon have also stepped down following Italy’s third consecutive exclusion from the World Cup.
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