Italy’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma expressed his disappointment over reports suggesting that the players of the national team had asked for a bonus if they secured a spot in this year’s World Cup.
The four-time champions Italy will not be competing in the finals for the third consecutive time, having lost 4-1 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in last month’s play-off final.
“As the captain, I’ve never gone to the Italian national team asking for a single euro,” Donnarumma shared with Sky Sports Italia.
“What the national team does, as it always has in every competition, is offer a reward for players who qualify for a tournament.
“That’s all there is to it; no one asked the federation for anything; our ultimate reward was the chance to go to the World Cup.”
Italy’s inability to qualify for the tournament, set to be held from June 11 to July 19 in North America, led to the resignation of Italian Football Federation President Gabriele Gravina amid mounting political pressure, as well as the stepping down of former goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon from his role as the team’s delegation chief.
Head coach Gennaro Gattuso also parted ways with the team.
“We need to start anew and move forward,” said Donnarumma, 27.
“We have to bounce back; there are four years until the next World Cup, and in the meantime, there are significant tournaments like the European Championship and the Nations League.
“Before we think about the World Cup, our focus needs to be on these upcoming major tournaments, and we must start again with strength right away.”
Compiled by SportArena.au
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