Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after they were defeated by Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European play-offs during the latest international break.
The defeat has once again denied Italian fans the chance to watch their nation compete in the biggest footballing competition, one they have won on four occasions.
Interestingly, Italy’s last victory in a World Cup knockout game was when they lifted the famous trophy in 2006, with their last appearance in the tournament coming in 2014.
However, there was a feeling the Italians would make an appearance at this year’s competition, and perhaps confidence may have been to their detriment, especially after the latest report from Repubblica.
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The Italian outlet has reported that before the play-off final against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italian players sought a €300,000 bonus to be shared among the squad for World Cup qualification, which would have been equivalent to €10,000 per player.
It has been reported that their manager at the time, Gennaro Gattuso, had managed to dissuade the players from continuing negotiations with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), arguing that a bonus could have been discussed only after securing a spot at the World Cup.
While there have been reports that Italy could still make an appearance at this year’s World Cup due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has seen reports suggesting that Iran may boycott the competition that is set to take place in the USA, Canada and Mexico; the Azzurri could potentially earn a place, as they are the highest-ranked nation not to qualify.
There was a hope that the strong Italian diaspora living in North American cities, including Toronto and New York, would have been able to see the nation that means so much to them.
While there is disappointment from all Italians that a country so synonymous with the World Cup will not be there aiming to lift their fifth trophy.
Topics: Italy, FIFA World Cup, Gianluigi Donnarumma
Brendan McGilligan