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2022 Finalissima
2022 Finalissima
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2022 Finalissima
EventFinalissima
Date1 June 2022 (2022-06-01)
VenueWembley Stadium, London
Man of the MatchLionel Messi (Argentina)[1]
RefereePiero Maza (Chile)[2]
Attendance87,112[3]
WeatherClear night
17 °C (63 °F)
47% humidity[4]
1993
2026

The 2022 Finalissima (lit.'Grand Final'; Spanish: Finalísima) was the third edition of the intercontinental football match between the winners of the previous South American and European championships, and the first edition rebranded as Finalissima. The match featured Italy, winners of UEFA Euro 2020 (held in 2021), and Argentina, winners of the 2021 Copa América. It was played at Wembley Stadium in London on 1 June 2022. The match, a revival of the Artemio Franchi Cup last played 29 years prior, was organised by UEFA and CONMEBOL as part of a renewed partnership between the two confederations.

Argentina, the defending champions, won the match 3–0 for their second CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions title.[5]

Background

[edit]

In 1985 and 1993, the winners of the prior UEFA European Championship and Copa América tournaments played in the Artemio Franchi Cup (also known as the European/South American Nations Cup), a one-off match organised by UEFA and CONMEBOL.[6] It was the national team equivalent to the former Intercontinental Cup on the club level, which was played between the winners of the European Cup/UEFA Champions League and Copa Libertadores. France won the 1985 Artemio Franchi Cup in Paris, while Argentina won the 1993 match in Mar del Plata. However, the competition was discontinued thereafter.[7] The Artemio Franchi Cup can be considered a precursor of the King Fahd Cup/FIFA Confederations Cup, played in 1992 for the first time and organised by FIFA from 1997, which featured the title holders of all the continental championships and FIFA World Cup.[8] After the 2017 edition, FIFA announced on 15 March 2019 that the tournament would be abolished.[9]

On 12 February 2020, UEFA and CONMEBOL signed a renewed memorandum of understanding meant to enhance cooperation between the two organisations. As part of the agreement, a joint UEFA–CONMEBOL committee examined the possibility of staging European–South American intercontinental matches, for both men's and women's football and across various age groups.[10] On 28 September 2021, UEFA and CONMEBOL confirmed that the UEFA European Championship and Copa América winners would face each other in an intercontinental match, with the agreement initially covering three editions starting in 2022. The first edition was confirmed to take place during the June 2022 international window at a venue to be confirmed.[11] On 15 December 2021, UEFA and CONMEBOL again signed a renewed memorandum of understanding lasting until 2028, which included specific provisions on opening a joint office in London and the potential organisation of various football events. The match was confirmed to take place in London on 1 June 2022, with the venue yet to be decided.[12] On 22 March 2022, UEFA announced the match would take place at Wembley Stadium.[13] At the same time, the brand identity was revealed, and UEFA announced that the "CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions" was the new name for the Artemio Franchi Cup.[14]

Teams

[edit]
Team Confederation Qualification Previous participations
(bold indicates winners)
FIFA Ranking
March 2022[15]
 Italy UEFA Winners of UEFA Euro 2020 None 6
 ArgentinaTH CONMEBOL Winners of the 2021 Copa América 1 (1993) 4

Italy qualified for the match by virtue of winning UEFA Euro 2020 (held in 2021), having defeated England on penalties in the final, also held at Wembley, for their second UEFA European Championship title.[16] Argentina qualified by winning the 2021 Copa América, defeating Brazil 1–0 in the final for a record-equalling 15th Copa América title, their first trophy in 28 years.[17][18]

Venue

[edit]
Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium in London, the venue of the match

The match was held at Wembley Stadium in London, England.[19] Wembley Stadium opened in 2007 on the site of the original stadium, the demolition of which took place between 2002 and 2003.[20][21] Owned by the Football Association (FA), it serves as England's national football stadium. The stadium was a host venue of UEFA Euro 2020, including the final, won by Italy on penalties over England. The original stadium, formerly known as the Empire Stadium, opened in 1923 and hosted matches at the 1966 FIFA World Cup, including the final, which saw hosts England beat West Germany 4–2 after extra time, and at UEFA Euro 1996, including the final, in which Germany defeated the Czech Republic. Wembley also hosts the annual FA Cup Final, doing so since the White Horse Final of 1923 (excluding 2001 to 2006, when the stadium was being rebuilt).[22]

Squads

[edit]

Both national teams had to submit a squad of 23 players – of which three had to be goalkeepers – by 29 May 2022, three days prior to the match.[23]

Italy

[edit]

Italy announced a 39-man preliminary squad on 23 May 2022.[24] The squad was extended to 45 players on 27 May, with eight players added while Domenico Berardi and Andrea Pinamonti withdrew injured.[25] The final squad was announced on 30 May.

Manager: Roberto Mancini

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Alessio Cragno (1994-06-28)28 June 1994 (aged 27) 2 0 Italian Football Federation Cagliari
2 2DF Giovanni Di Lorenzo (1993-08-04)4 August 1993 (aged 28) 19 2 Italian Football Federation Napoli
3 2DF Giorgio Chiellini (captain) (1984-08-14)14 August 1984 (aged 37) 116 8 Italian Football Federation Juventus
4 2DF Leonardo Spinazzola (1993-03-25)25 March 1993 (aged 29) 18 0 Italian Football Federation Roma
5 3MF Manuel Locatelli (1998-01-08)8 January 1998 (aged 24) 21 3 Italian Football Federation Juventus
6 2DF Manuel Lazzari (1993-11-29)29 November 1993 (aged 28) 2 0 Italian Football Federation Lazio
7 2DF Alessandro Florenzi (1991-03-11)11 March 1991 (aged 31) 47 2 Italian Football Federation Milan
8 3MF Jorginho (1991-12-20)20 December 1991 (aged 30) 43 5 The Football Association Chelsea
9 4FW Andrea Belotti (1993-12-20)20 December 1993 (aged 28) 42 12 Italian Football Federation Torino
10 3MF Federico Bernardeschi (1994-02-16)16 February 1994 (aged 28) 38 6 Italian Football Federation Juventus
11 4FW Matteo Politano (1993-08-03)3 August 1993 (aged 28) 4 3 Italian Football Federation Napoli
12 3MF Matteo Pessina (1997-04-21)21 April 1997 (aged 25) 12 4 Italian Football Federation Atalanta
13 2DF Emerson Palmieri (1994-08-03)3 August 1994 (aged 27) 26 0 French Football Federation Lyon
14 1GK Alex Meret (1997-03-22)22 March 1997 (aged 25) 2 0 Italian Football Federation Napoli
15 2DF Francesco Acerbi (1988-02-10)10 February 1988 (aged 34) 23 1 Italian Football Federation Lazio
16 3MF Bryan Cristante (1995-03-03)3 March 1995 (aged 27) 23 2 Italian Football Federation Roma
17 4FW Gianluca Scamacca (1999-01-01)1 January 1999 (aged 23) 3 0 Italian Football Federation Sassuolo
18 3MF Nicolò Barella (1997-02-07)7 February 1997 (aged 25) 36 7 Italian Football Federation Internazionale
19 2DF Leonardo Bonucci (1987-05-01)1 May 1987 (aged 35) 115 8 Italian Football Federation Juventus
20 3MF Lorenzo Pellegrini (1996-06-19)19 June 1996 (aged 25) 21 3 Italian Football Federation Roma
21 1GK Gianluigi Donnarumma (1999-02-25)25 February 1999 (aged 23) 42 0 French Football Federation Paris Saint-Germain
22 4FW Giacomo Raspadori (2000-02-18)18 February 2000 (aged 22) 9 3 Italian Football Federation Sassuolo
23 2DF Alessandro Bastoni (1999-04-13)13 April 1999 (aged 23) 11 0 Italian Football Federation Internazionale

Argentina

[edit]

Argentina announced a 35-man preliminary squad on 13 May 2022.[26] The squad was reduced to 29 players on 20 May.[27] The final squad was announced on 1 June.

Manager: Lionel Scaloni

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Franco Armani (1986-10-16)16 October 1986 (aged 35) 17 0 Argentine Football Association River Plate
2 2DF Juan Foyth (1998-01-12)12 January 1998 (aged 24) 14 0 Royal Spanish Football Federation Villarreal
3 2DF Nicolás Tagliafico (1992-08-31)31 August 1992 (aged 29) 39 0 Royal Dutch Football Association Ajax
4 2DF Nahuel Molina (1998-04-06)6 April 1998 (aged 24) 15 0 Italian Football Federation Udinese
5 3MF Alexis Mac Allister (1998-12-24)24 December 1998 (aged 23) 4 0 The Football Association Brighton & Hove Albion
6 2DF Germán Pezzella (1991-06-27)27 June 1991 (aged 30) 28 2 Royal Spanish Football Federation Real Betis
7 3MF Rodrigo De Paul (1994-05-24)24 May 1994 (aged 28) 39 2 Royal Spanish Football Federation Atlético Madrid
8 2DF Marcos Acuña (1991-10-28)28 October 1991 (aged 30) 41 0 Royal Spanish Football Federation Sevilla
9 4FW Julián Álvarez (2000-01-31)31 January 2000 (aged 22) 7 1 Argentine Football Association River Plate
10 4FW Lionel Messi (captain) (1987-06-24)24 June 1987 (aged 34) 160 81 French Football Federation Paris Saint-Germain
11 4FW Ángel Di María (1988-02-14)14 February 1988 (aged 34) 121 24 French Football Federation Paris Saint-Germain
12 1GK Gerónimo Rulli (1992-05-20)20 May 1992 (aged 30) 3 0 Royal Spanish Football Federation Villarreal
13 2DF Cristian Romero (1998-04-27)27 April 1998 (aged 24) 10 1 The Football Association Tottenham Hotspur
14 3MF Exequiel Palacios (1998-10-05)5 October 1998 (aged 23) 18 0 German Football Association Bayer Leverkusen
15 3MF Nicolás González (1998-04-06)6 April 1998 (aged 24) 19 3 Italian Football Federation Fiorentina
16 2DF Lisandro Martínez (1998-01-18)18 January 1998 (aged 24) 6 0 Royal Dutch Football Association Ajax
17 4FW Papu Gómez (1988-02-15)15 February 1988 (aged 34) 13 3 Royal Spanish Football Federation Sevilla
18 3MF Guido Rodríguez (1994-04-12)12 April 1994 (aged 28) 23 1 Royal Spanish Football Federation Real Betis
19 2DF Nicolás Otamendi (1988-02-12)12 February 1988 (aged 34) 90 4 Portuguese Football Federation Benfica
20 3MF Giovani Lo Celso (1996-04-09)9 April 1996 (aged 26) 38 2 Royal Spanish Football Federation Villarreal
21 4FW Paulo Dybala (1993-11-15)15 November 1993 (aged 28) 32 2 Italian Football Federation Juventus
22 4FW Lautaro Martínez (1997-08-22)22 August 1997 (aged 24) 37 19 Italian Football Federation Internazionale
23 1GK Emiliano Martínez (1992-09-02)2 September 1992 (aged 29) 16 0 The Football Association Aston Villa

Pre-match

[edit]

Identity

[edit]
The stadium with giant sized representations of both kits, before the match

UEFA revealed the brand identity for the match on 22 March 2022. The match was known as the Finalissima, Italian for "grand final". The logo was based on the laurel wreath, a symbol of victory. It features ribbons in the colours of the competing nations, the green, white and red of Italy on the left, and the white and light blue of Argentina. In addition, several ribbons are in platinum and gold, intended to highlight the significance of the match. According to UEFA, the ribbons are "symbolic of the strong bonds between CONMEBOL and UEFA, and of their commitment to the development of football beyond their geographical zones".[14]

Ticketing

[edit]

The stadium capacity was 86,000 for the match, with tickets sold to fans and the general public on a first-come, first-served basis via UEFA.com. Available from 24 March 2022, the tickets were available in four price categories: £25, £40, £55 and £99.[28]

Officials

[edit]

On 30 May 2022, 37-year-old Chilean referee Piero Maza was announced as the referee for the match, made as a joint appointment by CONMEBOL and UEFA.[29] Maza had been a FIFA referee since 2018,[30] though the match was his first senior international fixture as a referee.[31] However, Maza did previously serve as a fourth official and VAR assistant at the 2019 Copa América,[32] as well as a VAR at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup.[33] He was joined by his fellow countrymen Christian Schiemann and Claudio Ríos as assistant referees. Spanish referee Jesús Gil Manzano served as the fourth official, with his compatriots Alejandro Hernández Hernández and Juan Martínez Munuera serving as the VAR and one of the VAR assistants, respectively. Tiago Martins of Portugal was the other VAR assistant.[2]

Match

[edit]

Details

[edit]
Italy 0–3 Argentina
Report
Attendance: 87,112[3]
Referee: Piero Maza (Chile)
Italy[4]
Argentina[4]
GK 21 Gianluigi Donnarumma
RB 2 Giovanni Di Lorenzo Yellow card 72'
CB 19 Leonardo Bonucci Yellow card 39'
CB 3 Giorgio Chiellini (c) downward-facing red arrow 46'
LB 13 Emerson Palmieri downward-facing red arrow 77'
DM 8 Jorginho
CM 12 Matteo Pessina downward-facing red arrow 62'
CM 18 Nicolò Barella Yellow card 77'
RF 10 Federico Bernardeschi downward-facing red arrow 46'
CF 9 Andrea Belotti downward-facing red arrow 46'
LF 22 Giacomo Raspadori
Substitutions:
DF 6 Manuel Lazzari upward-facing green arrow 46'
FW 17 Gianluca Scamacca upward-facing green arrow 46'
MF 5 Manuel Locatelli upward-facing green arrow 46'
DF 4 Leonardo Spinazzola upward-facing green arrow 62'
DF 23 Alessandro Bastoni upward-facing green arrow 77'
Manager:
Roberto Mancini
GK 23 Emiliano Martínez
RB 4 Nahuel Molina
CB 13 Cristian Romero downward-facing red arrow 85'
CB 19 Nicolás Otamendi Yellow card 22'
LB 3 Nicolás Tagliafico
DM 18 Guido Rodríguez
CM 20 Giovani Lo Celso downward-facing red arrow 90+1'
CM 7 Rodrigo De Paul downward-facing red arrow 76'
RF 10 Lionel Messi (c)
CF 22 Lautaro Martínez downward-facing red arrow 85'
LF 11 Ángel Di María downward-facing red arrow 90+1'
Substitutions:
MF 14 Exequiel Palacios upward-facing green arrow 76'
DF 6 Germán Pezzella upward-facing green arrow 85'
FW 9 Julián Álvarez upward-facing green arrow 85'
MF 15 Nicolás González upward-facing green arrow 90+1'
FW 21 Paulo Dybala upward-facing green arrow 90+1'
Manager:
Lionel Scaloni

Man of the Match:
Lionel Messi (Argentina)[1]

Assistant referees:[2]
Christian Schiemann (Chile)
Claudio Ríos (Chile)
Fourth official:
Jesús Gil Manzano (Spain)
Video assistant referee:
Alejandro Hernández Hernández (Spain)
Assistant video assistant referees:
Juan Martínez Munuera (Spain)
Tiago Martins (Portugal)

Match rules[29]

Statistics

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The 2022 Finalissima was an intercontinental football match contested on 1 June 2022 at in , , between , the winners of , and , the champions of the . Officially titled the , the one-off fixture pitted the reigning champions of Europe's premier national team tournament against those of South America's equivalent, with securing a 3–0 victory through goals from (28'), Ángel Di María (45+1'), and (90+4'). was named for his influential performance, including assists on the first and third goals, in front of a sellout crowd of 87,112 spectators refereed by of . The match marked the revival of the Finalissima, a biennial or quadrennial super cup agreed upon in a 2022 Memorandum of Understanding between UEFA and CONMEBOL, following a 29-year hiatus since the 1993 edition won by Argentina over Denmark. Italy qualified as Euro 2020 champions after defeating England on penalties in the final at the same venue in July 2021, while Argentina earned their spot by beating Brazil 1–0 in the Copa América final at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. The game, played under a 90-minute format with no extra time and penalties to decide a draw, served as a high-profile precursor to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where Argentina would later triumph, and highlighted the growing collaboration between European and South American football governing bodies. The trophy, a 45 cm tall, 8.5 kg brass creation plated in silver, was lifted by Argentina captain Messi, extending their unbeaten run to 32 matches at the time.

Background

Historical Context

The Finalissima is an intercontinental football match contested between the winners of the and the CONMEBOL , serving as a showdown between the top national teams from and . Originally established in 1985 as the Artemio Franchi Cup—named in honor of the late UEFA general secretary —it was also referred to as the European/South American Nations Cup, reflecting its role in bridging the two confederations. The competition aimed to crown a symbolic world champion among continental titleholders, predating broader initiatives like the Confederations Cup. The inaugural edition took place on 21 August 1985 at the in , where UEFA Euro 1984 winners defeated 1983 champions 2-0, with goals from and José Touré. The second and final pre-revival match occurred on 24 February 1993 at the in , , pitting 1991 victors against UEFA Euro 1992 champions ; after a 1-1 draw, prevailed 5-4 on penalties, with captaining the side to their first title in the competition. These two encounters marked the only editions held during the initial phase, with claiming one victory to level the aggregate score at 1-1 against Europe. Following the 1993 match, the Artemio Franchi Cup entered a 29-year hiatus primarily due to scheduling conflicts with emerging international fixtures, such as the newly launched in 1992, and the lack of a structured bilateral agreement between and to sustain the event. The competition's irregular format and overlapping calendars further contributed to its discontinuation, as confederations prioritized their core tournaments. The revival of the match was announced on 15 December 2021 as part of an expanded UEFA-CONMEBOL partnership, formalized through a signed in February 2020 to foster joint competitions and administrative collaboration. This agreement, extending to 2028, included provisions for the Finalissima—renamed to evoke a grand finale—marking the third installment in the competition's history when it was held in 2022.

Tournament Agreement

The 2022 Finalissima was established through a (MoU) between and , initially signed on 12 2020 to strengthen cooperation across various football domains, including the organization of intercontinental matches for men's, women's, and youth teams. This agreement created joint committees to explore and implement such events, reviving the concept of a showdown between European and South American champions last contested in 1985 and 1993. The MoU was renewed and extended on 15 December 2021 until 30 June 2028, explicitly confirming the inaugural modern Finalissima as a match between the winners and the 2021 Copa América champions. Under the partnership, and serve as joint organizers, with the 2022 edition hosted in Europe at in to accommodate the European champion's participation. The Finalissima is positioned as a quadrennial fixture, aligning with the four-year cycles of the and to determine an intercontinental champion. The next edition is scheduled for 27 March 2026 at in , featuring the winners and the winners , continuing this tradition under the extended MoU framework.

Qualification

UEFA Euro 2020

The , postponed to 2021 due to the , was the 16th edition of the and took place from 11 to 11 2021 across 11 host cities in Europe, including , , and . Originally scheduled for 2020 to mark the tournament's 60th anniversary, it featured 24 national teams competing in a format with six groups followed by knockout stages, marking the first time the event was hosted in multiple countries simultaneously. The tournament showcased high-level football amid strict health protocols, with emerging as one of the standout teams after failing to qualify for the . Italy, under manager Roberto Mancini, qualified for the tournament by topping their qualifying group and entered as one of the favorites, having rebuilt their squad with a focus on attacking flair and defensive solidity. They completed an undefeated run through the competition, starting with a convincing 3-0 victory over Turkey in the opening match at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on 11 June 2021, followed by a 1-0 win against Switzerland and a 1-1 draw with Wales to top Group A. In the knockout stages, Italy advanced with a 2-1 extra-time win over Austria in the round of 16, a 2-1 defeat of world number one Belgium in the quarter-finals, a 1-1 draw followed by a 4-2 penalty shootout victory against Spain in the semi-finals, and culminating in the final against England on 11 July 2021 at Wembley Stadium, where they secured a 1-1 draw and triumphed 3-2 in the penalty shootout to claim their second European Championship title. Key contributions came from players like , who scored a decisive goal in extra time against , and , who netted the winning penalty in the final while anchoring a robust defense that conceded just four goals overall. Mancini's tactical approach emphasized possession-based play and quick transitions, which propelled to victory and earned him Coach of the Year honors. This success qualified as 's representative for the 2022 Finalissima against Copa América champions . Entering the Finalissima on 1 June 2022 at , held the sixth position in the , reflecting their strong form from the Euro triumph.

2021 Copa América

The 2021 Copa América, the 47th edition of South America's premier international men's football tournament, was originally scheduled to be co-hosted by and but was relocated to due to civil unrest and concerns in the initial host nations. The event ran from June 13 to July 10, 2021, featuring 10 national teams divided into two groups of five for a round-robin group stage, with the top two from each group advancing to single-elimination knockout rounds including quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final. hosted all matches across six cities, with the final at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Argentina, under manager Lionel Scaloni, topped Group A with seven points from three wins and one draw, securing qualification for the knockouts as CONMEBOL's representative for the 2022 Finalissima. They began with a 1–1 draw against Chile on June 14, where Lionel Messi scored a stunning free kick, followed by narrow 1–0 victories over Uruguay on June 18 (Guido Rodríguez's header) and Paraguay on June 28 (Alexis Mac Allister's volley), before ending the group stage with a 4–1 win over Bolivia on 28 June (goals from Papu Gómez, Lionel Messi twice, and Lautaro Martínez). In the quarter-finals on July 3, Argentina defeated Ecuador 3–0, with Messi scoring from a free kick and assisting the other two goals by Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martínez. The semi-finals on July 6 saw a tense 1–1 draw with Colombia (goal by Martínez), resolved by Emiliano Martínez's penalty shootout heroics in a 3–2 win for Argentina. In the final on July 10, Argentina clinched a historic 1–0 victory over host Brazil at the Maracanã, with Ángel Di María scoring the decisive chip in the 22nd minute from a through ball by Rodrigo De Paul, ending a 28-year drought for a major international title. Scaloni's tactical approach emphasized defensive solidity and quick transitions, with key contributions from goalkeeper (four clean sheets) and midfield control by players like De Paul and Lo Celso. Messi's tournament-leading four goals and five assists underscored his pivotal role, earning him joint honors alongside Brazil's and inspiring the team's resilience throughout the competition. Entering the 2022 Finalissima, Argentina held the fourth position in the , reflecting their resurgence as a top global contender following the triumph. The core squad that won the 2021 formed the backbone of Argentina's team for the Finalissima, with minimal changes to maintain continuity.

Teams

Italy

Roberto Mancini named a 39-player preliminary for 's participation in the 2022 Finalissima on , 2022, which was extended to 45 players on May 27 before being finalized to 23 ahead of the May 30 submission deadline. The selection emphasized a blend of experienced defenders and emerging talents in midfield and attack, reflecting Mancini's tactical preference for a solid backline to support fluid play further forward. The goalkeepers included first-choice from Paris Saint-Germain, alongside of Napoli and of as experienced backups. Donnarumma, the Euro 2020 hero, provided reliability between the posts, while Meret and Cragno offered depth. In defense, the roster featured nine players: (Napoli), (Juventus), (Roma), (Lazio), (Milan), (Olympique Lyonnais), (Lazio), (Juventus), and (Internazionale). Veterans Chiellini and Bonucci anchored the center-back partnership, drawing on their extensive international experience, while Bastoni represented the next generation of ball-playing defenders; the full-back options allowed flexibility in both attack and containment. The midfield contingent comprised seven players: (Juventus), (Chelsea), (Juventus), (), (Roma), (Internazionale), and (Roma). served as the deep-lying playmaker, controlling tempo with his passing, supported by the dynamic energy of Barella and the versatility of Pessina and Pellegrini. Up front, four forwards were selected: (Torino), (Napoli), (), and (). Belotti acted as the focal point with his hold-up play, complemented by the pace and creativity of Politano and Raspadori, while Scamacca added physical presence as an emerging target man. Several key players were absent from the squad, primarily due to injuries. Forward Federico Chiesa missed out after suffering an ACL tear in January 2022, while Domenico Berardi withdrew with an injury in late May; Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne were also unavailable, the former due to a dip in form compounded by minor issues and the latter recovering from a hamstring problem. Tactical decisions excluded Davide Calabria, favoring other full-back options, though older stalwarts like Chiellini were retained for their leadership. Mancini expressed disappointment over the absences of Chiesa, Immobile, Berardi, and Insigne, noting their importance to the team's attacking options. Italy entered the Finalissima on the back of a challenging period, having failed to qualify for the and winning just one of their previous five internationals.
PositionPlayerClub
GoalkeeperParis Saint-Germain
GoalkeeperNapoli
Goalkeeper
DefenderNapoli
DefenderJuventus
DefenderRoma
Defender
Defender
Defender
Defender
DefenderJuventus
DefenderInternazionale
MidfielderManuel LocatelliJuventus
MidfielderChelsea
MidfielderJuventus
Midfielder
MidfielderRoma
MidfielderInternazionale
MidfielderLorenzo PellegriniRoma
ForwardTorino
ForwardNapoli
Forward
Forward

Argentina

Head coach named a 29-man preliminary squad for the 2022 Finalissima on May 20, 2022, drawing heavily from the core group that won the 2021 Copa América. This selection emphasized experienced players and emerging talents, with serving as captain and central attacking figure. The squad was reduced to the required 23 players by June 1, 2022, ahead of the match deadline set by and . Several key absences marked the selection due to injuries, including midfielder (Paris Saint-Germain), who was sidelined with a muscle issue, and forward (Aston Villa), recovering from a sustained earlier in the season. Midfielder (Villarreal) and forward (Juventus) were initially doubtful with and muscular injuries, respectively, but both were ultimately included after recovering sufficiently, adding depth to the midfield and attack. The roster reflected Scaloni's preference for a balanced unit, blending defensive solidity from the victors with creative flair in midfield and a potent forward line led by Messi. The final 23-player squad featured three goalkeepers, eight defenders, five midfielders, and seven forwards, prioritizing versatility and international experience.
PositionPlayerClub
GoalkeeperAston Villa
GoalkeeperRiver Plate
Goalkeeper
DefenderSevilla
Defender
DefenderAjax
DefenderUdinese
DefenderBenfica
Defender
DefenderCristian RomeroTottenham Hotspur
DefenderAjax
Midfielder
Midfielder
MidfielderBrighton & Hove Albion
MidfielderBayer Leverkusen
Midfielder
ForwardRiver Plate
ForwardÁngel Di MaríaParis Saint-Germain
ForwardJuventus
ForwardParis Saint-Germain
ForwardInternazionale
ForwardNicolás GonzálezFiorentina
ForwardPapu GómezSevilla
Key roles included as the primary goalkeeper, known for his shot-stopping and distribution; a robust defensive line anchored by and Cristian Romero for aerial dominance and tackling; midfielders like providing energy and passing range; and an attacking group of Messi, , and offering goal-scoring threat and creativity. This composition underscored Argentina's reliance on the 2021 Copa América-winning backbone, with 18 of the 23 players having featured in that tournament.

Event Organization

Venue

Wembley Stadium, located in London, England, hosted the 2022 Finalissima between Italy and Argentina. Opened in its current form in 2007 following a major renovation that cost £798 million, the stadium has a capacity of 90,000 and serves as the national stadium of England, home to the England national football team and the annual FA Cup finals. The venue was selected as a neutral European site in accordance with the UEFA-CONMEBOL agreement for the inaugural intercontinental final in Europe, having previously staged the UEFA Euro 2020 final where Italy defeated England on penalties. Its pitch measures 105 m × 68 m and utilizes a hybrid grass surface combining natural turf with synthetic fibers for enhanced durability. For the event on June 1, 2022, temporary seating arrangements allowed for an attendance of 87,112 spectators. The match day weather featured temperatures around 18°C under partly cloudy skies. Although no prior UEFA-CONMEBOL matches had been held at , the stadium boasts a storied legacy in international football, including hosting the .

Ticketing and Attendance

Tickets for the 2022 Finalissima were made available for purchase exclusively through the website starting on March 24, 2022, on a first-come, first-served basis to the general public. The pricing structure featured four tiers: £25 for Category 3 seats, £40 for Category 2, £55 for Category 1, and £99 for Ticket+ packages that provided access to premium lounges and additional amenities. Approximately 60,000 tickets were allocated for general sale, with the remainder reserved for hospitality and other stakeholders, reflecting standard practices for UEFA-organized events at , which had a matchday capacity of 86,000. Demand for tickets was exceptionally high, with all allocations selling out in less than a week, leaving only limited hospitality options available. The event drew a total attendance of 87,112 spectators, marking a record crowd for the Finalissima in both its men's and women's editions and underscoring the match's appeal as a rare intercontinental showdown. Fan allocations favored traveling supporters, particularly from , with reports indicating a significant presence of Argentine fans compared to Italian supporters; this disparity was influenced by logistical factors, including travel arrangements and visa requirements for South American fans entering the . Safety measures at the venue prioritized crowd management and public health amid ongoing considerations, with no mandatory testing required for entry and face masks deemed optional, though encouraged on concourses to align with broader guidelines. Stewarding was handled entirely by staff, ensuring compliance with event protocols and facilitating smooth access for the international crowd.

Squads

Italy

announced a 39-man preliminary for Italy's participation in the 2022 Finalissima on , 2022, which was later reduced to the final 23 players ahead of the May 30 submission deadline. The emphasized a blend of experienced defenders and emerging talents in midfield and attack, reflecting Mancini's tactical preference for a solid backline to support fluid play further forward. The goalkeepers included first-choice from Paris Saint-Germain, alongside of Napoli and of as experienced backups. Donnarumma, the Euro 2020 hero, provided reliability between the posts, while Meret and Cragno offered depth. In defense, the roster featured nine players: (Napoli), (Juventus), (Roma), (Lazio), (AC Milan), (Chelsea), (Lazio), (Juventus), and (Inter Milan). Veterans Chiellini and Bonucci anchored the center-back partnership, drawing on their extensive international experience, while Bastoni represented the next generation of ball-playing defenders; the full-back options allowed flexibility in both attack and containment. The midfield contingent comprised seven players: (Juventus), (Chelsea), (Juventus), (Atalanta), (Roma), (Inter Milan), and (Roma). served as the deep-lying playmaker, controlling tempo with his passing, supported by the dynamic energy of Barella and the versatility of Pessina and Pellegrini. Up front, four forwards were selected: (Torino), (Napoli), (Sassuolo), and (Sassuolo). Belotti acted as the focal point with his hold-up play, complemented by the pace and creativity of Politano and Raspadori, while Scamacca added physical presence as an emerging target man. Several key players were absent from the squad, primarily due to injuries. Forward Federico Chiesa missed out after suffering an ACL tear in January 2022, while Domenico Berardi withdrew with an injury in late May; Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne were also unavailable, the former due to a dip in form compounded by minor issues and the latter recovering from a hamstring problem. Tactical decisions excluded Davide Calabria, favoring other full-back options, though older stalwarts like Chiellini were retained for their leadership. Mancini expressed disappointment over the absences of Chiesa, Immobile, Berardi, and Insigne, noting their importance to the team's attacking options. Italy entered the Finalissima on the back of a challenging period, having failed to qualify for the and winning just one of their previous five internationals.

Argentina

Head coach named a 29-man preliminary squad for the 2022 Finalissima on May 20, 2022, drawing heavily from the core group that won the 2021 Copa América. This selection emphasized experienced players and emerging talents, with serving as captain and central attacking figure. The squad was reduced to the required 23 players on June 1, 2022, ahead of the match deadline set by and . Several key absences marked the selection due to injuries, including midfielder Leandro Paredes (Paris Saint-Germain), who was sidelined with a muscle issue, and forward Emiliano Buendía (Aston Villa), recovering from a sustained earlier in the season. Midfielder (Villarreal) and forward (Juventus) were initially doubtful with and muscular injuries, respectively, but both were ultimately included after recovering sufficiently, adding depth to the midfield and attack. The roster reflected Scaloni's preference for a balanced unit, blending defensive solidity from the victors with creative flair in midfield and a potent forward line led by Messi. The final 23-player squad featured three goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders, and five forwards, prioritizing versatility and international experience.
PositionPlayerClub
GoalkeeperAston Villa
GoalkeeperRiver Plate
Goalkeeper
DefenderSevilla
Defender
DefenderAjax
DefenderUdinese
DefenderSevilla
DefenderBenfica
Defender
DefenderCristian RomeroTottenham Hotspur
DefenderAjax
Midfielder
MidfielderRiver Plate
Midfielder
MidfielderBrighton & Hove Albion
MidfielderBayer Leverkusen
Midfielder
MidfielderParis Saint-Germain
ForwardRiver Plate
ForwardParis Saint-Germain
ForwardJuventus
ForwardParis Saint-Germain
Forward
ForwardNicolás GonzálezFiorentina
Key roles included as the primary goalkeeper, known for his shot-stopping and distribution; a robust defensive line anchored by and Cristian Romero for aerial dominance and tackling; midfielders like and providing energy and passing range; and an attacking trio of Messi, , and offering goal-scoring threat and creativity. This composition underscored Argentina's reliance on the 2021 Copa América-winning backbone, with 18 of the 23 players having featured in that tournament.

Pre-Match

Branding and Identity

The brand identity for the 2022 Finalissima was unveiled by on 22 March 2022, emphasizing themes of unity and triumph between European and South American football champions. The central element, the event logo, drew inspiration from the —a classical of excellence, , , and growth—formed by intertwining ribbons in UEFA's signature blue and CONMEBOL's vibrant yellow, representing the fusion of the two confederations. This design was extended across visual assets, including stadium graphics and promotional materials, to create a cohesive aesthetic that highlighted the intercontinental rivalry. The event's name, "Finalissima"—Italian for "grand final"—served as its core promotional motif, evoking a sense of prestige and culmination without a separate official slogan. Official merchandise included the match ball in a custom Finalissima edition, featuring a white base accented with blue and green patterns inspired by the logo's ribbons, used exclusively for the showdown. Promotional efforts were a collaborative venture between and , featuring video content on their official platforms that previewed the matchup between Argentina's Copa América winners and Italy's EURO 2020 champions, spotlighting key figures like against European stars. engagement was amplified through hashtags such as #Finalissima2022, encouraging global fan interaction ahead of the 1 June fixture. The trophy awarded to the winners was the CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions, a revamped version of the original Cup from , measuring 45 cm in height and weighing 8.5 kg, crafted from with silver plating and a modern dark grey nickel-plated base for added contemporary appeal. Designed by Valentina Losa, it preserved the classic shape while symbolizing the enduring legacy of intercontinental competition, with engravings for the victorious team.

Officials

The match officials for the 2022 Finalissima were jointly appointed by and to ensure neutrality, with a referee from selected to balance the UEFA-hosted event at . Piero Daniel Maza Gómez from served as the referee; born on October 25, 1984, he was 37 years old at the time of the match and had been a FIFA-listed international referee since 2018, though the Finalissima marked his debut in a senior international fixture. The assistant referees were Christian Schiemann and Claudio Ríos, both from , who supported Maza on the sidelines. from acted as the fourth official. The (VAR) team consisted of Alejandro Hernández from as the lead VAR, with Juan Martínez Munuera from and Tiago Martins from serving as assistant VARs; the match proceeded without any significant controversies involving officiating decisions.

Match

Summary

The 2022 Finalissima between and kicked off on 1 June 2022 at 20:45 BST at in , with donning their traditional light blue and white striped home kit paired with black shorts, while wore their blue home kit. The lineups featured a strong side led by in midfield alongside up front, facing an team anchored by in defense and as the focal point of attack. Under clear night conditions with temperatures around 17°C, the match drew a sell-out crowd of 87,112 spectators. In the first half, Italy struggled to create chances, registering no shots on target. Argentina struck first in the 28th minute when Messi dribbled past defenders on the right flank and delivered a low cross into the box, which Martínez tapped in from close range to open the scoring. The South Americans doubled their lead just before the interval in the 45+1st minute during a swift counter-attack; Martínez collected a loose ball in midfield, advanced forward, and played a precise through-ball to Ángel Di María, who chipped the onrushing Gianluigi Donnarumma to make it 2-0. Italy captain Leonardo Bonucci received a yellow card in the 40th minute for unsporting behavior. At , made a triple change, bringing on for Chiellini in his final international appearance, for , and for , while later substituting for Immobile around the hour mark in an effort to inject energy. , already in command, added a third goal in stoppage time at the 90+4th minute on another counter-attack, with Messi surging forward from midfield and threading a pass to substitute , who drilled a low shot into the bottom corner. Yellow cards were also shown to of , and to 's in the 72nd minute and in the 78th minute for fouls. The final whistle confirmed a 3-0 victory for , with Messi earning the Man of the Match award for his two assists and overall influence.

Statistics

The 2022 Finalissima match between and showcased a dominant performance by , reflected in key quantitative metrics. controlled 55% of possession compared to 's 45%, allowing them to generate more attacking opportunities despite 's reputation for ball retention. attempted 17 shots, with 9 on target, while managed only 7 shots, 3 of which were on target.
StatisticItalyArgentina
Possession (%)4555
Total shots717
Shots on target39
Corners34
Fouls committed1316
Pass accuracy (%)8789
Passes completed384495
Individual player contributions highlighted Argentina's efficiency, particularly from , who provided 2 assists (one for 's goal and one for Paulo Dybala's), completed 59 of 66 passes at 89% accuracy, and created multiple chances without scoring. Other notable performances included Ángel Di María with 1 goal, with 1 goal and 1 assist, and goalkeeper making 3 saves to secure a clean sheet. Italy's players, such as , recorded high pass accuracy (90% on 60 attempts) but lacked penetration, with no shots on target from midfielders.

Broadcasting

Television and Streaming

In , held the primary for the 2022 Finalissima, with coverage in key markets including in , which drew an average audience of 6.2 million viewers and a 33.5% on Rai 1. In the , the match aired on pay-TV broadcaster , while additional options were limited. CONMEBOL managed rights in South American markets, where the match was broadcast on TyC Sports in Argentina and DirecTV Sports across the region, with ESPN also carrying coverage in Argentina and Brazil. Streaming options were available globally via UEFA.tv for highlights and select live access in non-exclusive territories, alongside the CONMEBOL app for regional users. In the United States, Fox Sports 1 broadcast the match, averaging 149,000 viewers, with Lionel Messi's involvement contributing to heightened interest in the Spanish-language market, though primary English-language rights were with Fox. The production at featured a multi-camera setup coordinated by , including aerial and dynamic shots to capture the atmosphere, with on-air graphics provided by wTVision based on 's design. analysis was delivered by pundits such as , who praised Messi's "incomparable" performance on and in post-match commentary.

International Coverage

The 2022 Finalissima received radio broadcasts in multiple regions, including full coverage on in the starting at 7:00 p.m. local time with commentary by . In , Rai Radio 1 provided live radiocronaca of the match. Argentine radio stations, such as Radio Ovación, also aired the game for local audiences. Online coverage was robust, with UEFA.com offering live text updates, match statistics, and post-game analysis during the event. Social media platforms saw significant engagement, including a highlights video on that amassed 11.5 million views—the highest across UEFA's EURO channels that year—and an Reel of Messi's arrival reaching 1.9 million plays. On , official highlights from channels like USA and fan compilations, such as a Messi performance video, collectively drew millions of views, with one exceeding 4.5 million. The #Finalissima trended worldwide on (now X), fueled by reactions to Messi's play and Argentina's victory. In non-traditional markets outside and , the match aired on via FS1 in the United States, with pre-match build-up starting at 2:30 p.m. ET. SuperSport broadcast the game live across , available at 8:00 p.m. with previews and highlights. In the Middle East, beIN Sports provided television coverage, including in . Press coverage extended to international outlets, with neutral analysis in highlighting Messi's inspirational role in Argentina's 3-0 win. In Italy, Corriere dello Sport featured prominent reports on the national team's 3-0 defeat, describing it as a physical domination by . Argentine media, including , devoted extensive space to the victory as a milestone in the nation's unbeaten streak.

Aftermath

Reactions and Media

Following Argentina's 3-0 victory over Italy in the 2022 Finalissima at Wembley Stadium, players and coaches expressed satisfaction with the performance while acknowledging the competitive nature of the match. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni described the outcome as aligning with expectations, stating, "It went more or less as we expected," highlighting the team's cohesive play against a strong opponent. Italy manager Roberto Mancini conceded Argentina's superiority, noting, "They were better than us. We were in the game in the first half but didn't do enough to turn it around after the break." Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who provided the assist for the opening goal and was named Player of the Match, called it a "beautiful final, full of Argentines," adding, "What we experienced here was beautiful... We can compete against anyone. Today it was a good test because Italy is a great team." Fan reactions were polarized, with Argentine supporters creating an electric atmosphere that transformed into a slice of , where thousands celebrated the win with chants and flares, erupting in joy as the final whistle blew. In , crowds gathered in public squares to watch and rejoice over the triumph, marking another milestone in the team's unbeaten run. Italian fans, however, expressed disappointment at the loss on the same pitch where their team had lifted the trophy just months earlier, with some describing the defeat as a harsh reminder of their faltering form ahead of the qualifiers. Media coverage praised the spectacle and Argentina's dominance, with highlighting Messi's influence in a "raucous" clash that revived the Cup of Champions in style. headlined the result as "Lionel Messi's side win the Finalissima at ," emphasizing the goals from , , and . Outlets like the dubbed it Messi's "masterclass," portraying Italy's return to as a "miserable" one despite the 87,000 sellout crowd's vibrant energy. The match saw minor debates over referee Piero Maza's decisions, including calls on fouls in midfield and an offside review in the second half, but no major incidents or VAR controversies overshadowed the event.

Legacy and Impact

The 2022 Finalissima victory marked a pivotal moment in Argentina's resurgence under coach , providing crucial momentum that propelled the team toward their triumphant campaign, where they defeated in the final six months later. This success further solidified Scaloni's long-term project, which emphasized team cohesion and tactical flexibility, transforming Argentina from perennial underachievers into world champions. For , the win represented his second major trophy with Argentina's senior team—following the 2021 Copa América—contributing to a collection of three such honors by the end of 2022, including the later that year, enhancing his legacy as Argentina's greatest player. For , the 3-0 defeat served as an additional setback in the post-Euro 2020 era, exacerbating the fallout from their earlier failure to qualify for the 2022 and highlighting ongoing transitional challenges. Coach , who had guided to continental glory in 2021, acknowledged the need for squad changes in the immediate aftermath, signaling a shift toward younger players amid mounting pressure on his tenure. This loss contributed to the broader difficulties that culminated in Mancini's surprise in August 2023, ending a five-year stint marked by highs and lows, including the qualification debacle. The match revived the intercontinental fixture, dormant since 1993, and established it as a regular event in the international calendar, with subsequent editions confirming its biennial or quadrennial status for men's teams—the next set for March 2026 between and —and inspiring a women's version first held in 2023 between and . Its success underscored the viability of such high-profile clashes, fostering sustained collaboration between and following their renewed 2021 , which expanded ties across senior, youth, and women's football. On a broader scale, the Finalissima strengthened UEFA-CONMEBOL relations by demonstrating the appeal of cross-continental competitions, with the event's record attendance of 87,112 at inspiring future neutral-venue hosting to maximize global reach and fan engagement, as seen in plans for the edition at Qatar's .

References

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