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Donnarumma Denies Bonus Demands After Italy Misses 2026 World Cup

His on-air denial sets the tone for a national rebuild.

Overview

  • In a televised interview, the Italy captain said he never asked the national team for any money and rejected reports that players sought qualifying bonuses.
  • He said bonuses are customary gifts from the federation after qualification, not demands from players.
  • Donnarumma accepted blame for the exit, described days of struggle to process the loss, and vowed that Italy will be strong again.
  • The playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina means Italy will miss a third straight World Cup, and Donnarumma will not debut at the tournament before 2030.
  • The FIGC says Italian football is in crisis, with the Nations League and the next European Championship set as the stage for a restart.