Rome redemption a driving force for wounded Europe

According to captain Luke Donald, the humbling 19-9 defeat at Whistling Straits in 2021 will not be a "focus" as Europe bid to regain the Ryder Cup which begins on Friday week in Rome.

Yet listen to any of the players on the receiving end of that record reverse in Wisconsin who are part of Donald's team and a different story emerges.

Shane Lowry revealed the idea for January's Hero Cup - effectively reviving the Seve Trophy - was formed on the plane journey home as Europe's players realised more team match-play experience would be beneficial.

Lowry also concurred with Tommy Fleetwood's assessment that the nature of the defeat meant the players had formed a special bond and determination to regain the trophy as they stood and watched the United States celebrating their record triumph.

And Rory McIlroy, who was reduced to tears after winning his only point of the week in the singles against Xander Schauffele following three heavy defeats, admitted that his own performance and the scoreline still "stung".

So whether Donald taps into those emotions or not, several members of his team have plenty of motivation to ensure that their side regain the trophy and prevent the USA from winning on European soil for the first time since 1993.

Seven of the last eight contests have been won by the home side, with the exception being 2021's 'Miracle at Medinah' when Europe staged a remarkable recovery from 10-4 down to triumph in Chicago.

Donald knows all about that unlikely victory after playing a key, and often overlooked, part in it by partnering Sergio Garcia to victory over Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker in the Saturday afternoon fourballs.

While Ian Poulter's five straight birdies which propelled him and McIlroy to victory in the final