It might be a World Cup year, but another international trophy is up for grabs this week as the unofficial greatest team on the planet will be crowned. Copa America champions Argentina will take on European champions Italy as two great footballing nations both target their second successive trophy.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the meeting of the two giants.
When is it?
The Finalissima will take place on Wednesday, 1st June.
What time is kick-off?
Finalissima 2022 will kick-off at 7.45pm.
Where is it being played?
Wembley Stadium, London. Where Italy won the European Championship 12 months ago.
Has it been played before?
This game has been played twice before. In 1985 France beat Uruguay 2-0, while in 1993 Argentina beat Denmark on penalties.
Will Lionel Messi be playing?
Yep. The Argentina captain and PSG man has been included in the squad, along with the likes of Angel Di Maria, Lautaro Martinez, Cristian Romero and Emi Martinez. Fresh from winning the Copa America and qualifying for the World Cup in second place in the South American group, Lionel Scaloni’s side will fancy their chances in Qatar later this year. Beating Italy at Wembley would be ideal preparation for World Cup success.
“The rival changes because it is strong, beyond that they are European or any continent,” the manager said. “It’s always good to play a strong opponent. It’s not a good time in terms of dates, very complicated players are coming, with vacations and some with injuries.
How are Italy shaping up?
Having staggeringly failed to qualify for their second World Cup in a row, Roberto Mancini’s men are still in an unpredictable period. At Euro 2020 they were the best team in the competition from the first match, and deservedly won the title, but to miss out on two consecutive World Cups is unforgivable.
This squad, featuring Jorginho, Federico Chiesa, Marco Verrati and Lorenzo Insigne, have immense quality and will be hurt from that shock defeat to North Macedonia. “Of course you can think sometimes (about quitting) after moments like that,” Mancini said at a press conference.. “But then the national team is so important, and the joy is so great and that is worth sticking around for.
“When you win with the national team it is something totally different. But then again in life, never say never.”
They will go from this game into a Nations League group with Germany, England and Hungary - where the Three Lions will be looking to exact their revenge over Mancini’s men.
So how can I watch?
Italy vs Argentina will be shown live on Premier Sports 1 in the UK.
Is it free to watch?
Unfortunately not. It costs £11.99 a month for a Premier Sports monthly subscription, which will also allow you to stream the action from Premier Player on your mobile device.
