Italy’s World Cup Failure Deepens After Bonus Dispute Report

Gennaro Gattuso
April 2026

Italy’s collapse against Bosnia and Herzegovina has been followed by reports that players sought a qualification bonus shortly before the decisive match. The alleged request has intensified criticism of the squad’s mindset after another World Cup disaster. Football Italia, citing La Repubblica, reported that the squad asked for a €300,000 team bonus, around €10,000 per player, before the playoff final. The same report says Gattuso rejected the discussion and argued that rewards should only be discussed after qualification had been secured.