Scandalous revelation from the locker room of the national team » What claims Italy's millionaires would have had before the dam in Bosnia!

The hypothesis, scandalous considering that the said sum, which would have been divided among the group of 28 players summoned to the play-off with Bosnia-Herzegovina, is minuscule for the multimillion-dollar salaries of most of Gennaro Gattuso's players, was launched by the cited daily.

“More than adrenaline and tension it was about emotions. But some players were interested if they would get a premium”

“A reward from the FIGC for qualifying for the World Cup. This was one of the topics discussed in the national team dressing room before the play-off final against Bosnia, the match that would secure them a place in North America.

The atmosphere in Zenica was tense. More than adrenaline and tension it was about emotions. But one group of Azzurri players began to wonder whether or not they will receive a bonus if they beat Bilino Polje.

An amount of around 300,000 euros was being discussed, which was to be shared between all 28 players. In short, just over 10,000 euros for footballers paid millions annually, in club teams.

“Rino Gattuso had to step in to dissuade them! He made them realize how inappropriate their request was”

The players discussed the matter with some members of the technical staff, the closest ones. It was clearly an inappropriate and ill-timed move. It took Gattuso's intervention to dissuade them. The former selector made them understand how inappropriate their request was.” La Repubblica writes the same.

The meaning of his words: to deserve the qualification on the field, then we will see. The sad ending to the story vindicated Rino Gattuso, but sums up the spirit with which some players approached the challenge that could have brought the national team back to the World Cup
– La RepubblicaItalian daily

It's also incredible what happened after the Italians lost in the penalty shootout (1-1, 2-4) and missed the World Cup for the third time in a row.

“At the end of the match, three players were contractually obliged to speak to RAI (no – public television), one on the pitch (the so-called super-flash) and two in the area leading to the changing rooms (the flash interview).

Gattuso tries to console his students after the drama in Bosnia. Photo: Imago Images

“Only Spinazzola had the courage to speak, crying, and then Gattuso. The other players hid and remained silent”

The only one who had the courage to appear in front of the cameras was Leonardo Spinazzola, visibly discouraged and with tears in his eyes: “It's a big disappointment for all of us, the Italians, the children who will never be able to see another World Cup.”

Then Gattuso arrived, of course. Nobody else! Captain Donnarumma experienced mixed emotions… At the final whistle, he was angry, very angry. In the hours that followed, despair set in.

Those close to him described him as devastated by I don't know how much the exclusion of Italy from the World Cup. The rest of the Squadra Azzurra players were mostly silent!

Before everyone left for their club, not a fly was heard. Many knew this was their last chance to participate in a World Cup. This also explains the sadness and absolute silence.”

“After the rising tide shaved the leadership of the federation, they returned to their clubs. No bonus and especially no World Cup!”

The Italian daily delved deeper into the backstage of the Zenica play-off: “The general feeling is that the group was panicked by the possibility of not qualifying. Nothing extraordinary; it has happened before. Although obviously this failure was less expected than at other times.

Bosnia – Italy, draw for the World Championship // photo: Imago

There are two clues: the celebration filmed by the RAI cameras in Bergamo of Dimarco and Vicario for Bosnia's victory over Wales and their intention to ask the federation for a bonus for their eventual qualification.

The team senators gestured before saying their goodbyes and went to Gattuso to ask him to stay at the helm of the drifting ship. Rino explained that he could not, and yesterday he resigned.

Then, as the tide that shaved the leadership of the federation grew, they returned to their clubs. No bonus, especially without a World Cup!”.