Italy players on ?200,000 each to win World Cup

Italy's World Cup players have been promised almost ?200,000 each should they lift the trophy next month.

The Italian Football Federation are understood to have made just over ?4m available as prize money for the 23-man Azzurri party if they are crowned champions.

Having not lifted the trophy since 1982, the FIGC are keen to do all they can to motivate the players and are ready to hand out ?178,000 each if necessary.

The Azzurri will net a bonus for finishing as runners-up too, but - for the first time - will also receive around ?75,000 if they end up third.