Overview
- Italy captain Gianluigi Donnarumma, in interviews aired Thursday on Sky Italia, said he never asked the federation for a euro and that no player sought money.
- He called the claims hurtful and said any planned payment was the federation’s usual gift given only after a team qualifies.
- La Repubblica first reported a €300,000 pool worth about €10,000 per player, and the story fueled public anger after the playoff defeat.
- Italy missed the 2026 World Cup for a third straight time after a March penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the setback led to resignations by FIGC president Gabriele Gravina, delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon and coach Gennaro Gattuso.
- Donnarumma praised the departing leaders, said the squad feels responsible, and urged a reset that targets the Nations League and European Championship before the next World Cup.