Match preview
Following their shocking failure to qualify for the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Italy will play Argentina in the Finalissima at Wembley Stadium, the site of their EURO 2020 success on Wednesday, June 1.
The finalissima pits the champion of Europe against the Copa America champion.
Roberto Mancini’s immediate emphasis will be on Wednesday’s game as they will also kick off their UEFA Nations League campaign later on June 4, taking on Germany twice, Hungary, and England in rapid succession before returning to action in September with a home game against Spain.
Italy has lost each of their last three friendlies against Argentina, with their last competitive meeting being at the 1990 World Cup, when Argentina won 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 deadlock in the semi-finals.
Argentina, meanwhile, won the Copa America for the first time since 1993 last summer, defeating Brazil 1-0 in the final thanks to Angel Di Maria’s first-half goal.
They advanced to the final by defeating Ecuador and Colombia in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, respectively, and they have also qualified for the 2022 World Cup with an unblemished qualification campaign.
Lionel Scaloni’s team has not played since their 1-1 draw with Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier at the end of March, but they are unbeaten in all competitions since July 2019, which should give them confidence coming into Wednesday’s match.
As there will be no additional time in the Finalissima, if the match is tied after 90 minutes, a penalty shootout will be held, and Argentina won the 1993 edition, then known as the Artemio Franchi Cup, by defeating Denmark on penalties.
Italy vs Argentina head-to-head
| Italy | Played 16 times | Argentina |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Wins | 5 |
| 5 | Draw | 5 |
| 22 | Goals | 15 |
Italy vs Argentina team news
Giorgio Chiellini, one of their EURO 2020 final-day heroes against England, will play this match which will also be his farewell match to his Azzurri career.
Chiellini, the captain of Juventus and Italy, will make his 117th and final appearance for Italy at the heart of their defence.
Fans who watched Italy’s EURO 2020 campaign will recognise the team, but keep an eye out for a couple notable newcomers: Gianluca Scamacca of Sassuolo, who has been linked with a move to Premier League clubs Arsenal and West Ham, while winger Nicolo Zaniolo, who’s dazzled in Roma’s journey to UEFA Europa Conference League glory.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi might be partnered in the last third of the field by Lautaro Martinez and Di Maria, while Cristian Romero is expected to play in the middle of the defence alongside Nicolas Otamendi. Also, on-loan Manchester City attacker Julian Alvarez could play a part at some point in the game.
Alexis MacAllister of Brighton & Hove Albion who is also included in the squad with Nehuen Perez and Marcos Senesi will all be seeking to make their national team debuts in London.
Italy vs Argentina prediction
This match has all the makings of a fantastic football match, and it should be a lively and entertaining affair in the English capital. There will be no additional time, and both clubs will undoubtedly want to avoid the risk of a penalty shootout. Italy will be confident of scoring at least once, but Argentina’s quality could lead to a narrow victory and the title for the second time. Therefore, we predict Both teams to score and Argentina to win in regulation time.
Match Odds
| Italy to win 2.80 Argentina to win 2.53 Draw, a whopping 2.97 |
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