Donnarumma rejects claims that Italy squad sought bonuses to secure World Cup place

Italy, winners of four World Cups, failed to reach the finals for the third time in a row following a 4-1 penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off decider last month.

As captain, I did not request even one euro from the Italy team, Donnarumma stated to Sky Sports Italia.

The national side, just like in all tournaments, presents gifts to those who make it through to an event.

That sums it up, yet no one demanded anything from the governing body, our true prize being a spot at the World Cup.

The Azzurri's inability to advance to the North American event from June 11 to July 19 led Italian Football Federation head Gabriele Gravina to step down under political scrutiny, while ex-goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon quit as delegation leader for the squad.

Gennaro Gattuso, the manager, departed from his role too.

We must begin anew and progress, said the 27 year old Donnarumma.

Recovery is essential, with four years ahead to the following World Cup, plus key events such as the European Championship and Nations League in that period.

Rather than dwelling on the World Cup, our priority should be these intervening major fixtures, and we ought to launch into them with vigour right from the start.