The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) had reportedly planned to reward players with sentimental gifts like luxury watches, rather than cash bonuses, had they secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
The Italian national team missed out on a sentimental bonus following their devastating penalty shoot-out defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport indicate the FIGC prepared individual “gifts,” such as watches, to commemorate potential qualification.
While La Repubblica previously suggested players sought a €300,000 collective bonus, newer updates clarify that Gattuso’s squad made no formal request for a specific cash prize.
The “Azzurri” dreams of reaching the tournament in North America collapsed Tuesday evening in Zenica.
Given that top-level internationals do not receive standard fees for representation, the FIGC favored a symbolic gesture over financial incentives.
Despite internal discussions regarding rewards after the Northern Ireland fixture, the focus remained on the pitch. Ultimately, the lack of qualification rendered the planned “sentimental bonus” gifts unnecessary.