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2022 Finalissima
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| Event | Finalissima | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |||||||
| Date | 1 June 2022 | ||||||
| Venue | Wembley Stadium, London | ||||||
| Man of the Match | Lionel Messi (Argentina)[1] | ||||||
| Referee | Piero Maza (Chile)[2] | ||||||
| Attendance | 87,112[3] | ||||||
| Weather | Clear night 17 °C (63 °F) 47% humidity[4] | ||||||
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] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UEFA | Winners of UEFA Euro 2020 | None | 6 | |
| 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]
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 | GK | Alessio Cragno | 28 June 1994 (aged 27) | 2 | 0 | |
| 2 | DF | Giovanni Di Lorenzo | 4 August 1993 (aged 28) | 19 | 2 | |
| 3 | DF | Giorgio Chiellini (captain) | 14 August 1984 (aged 37) | 116 | 8 | |
| 4 | DF | Leonardo Spinazzola | 25 March 1993 (aged 29) | 18 | 0 | |
| 5 | MF | Manuel Locatelli | 8 January 1998 (aged 24) | 21 | 3 | |
| 6 | DF | Manuel Lazzari | 29 November 1993 (aged 28) | 2 | 0 | |
| 7 | DF | Alessandro Florenzi | 11 March 1991 (aged 31) | 47 | 2 | |
| 8 | MF | Jorginho | 20 December 1991 (aged 30) | 43 | 5 | |
| 9 | FW | Andrea Belotti | 20 December 1993 (aged 28) | 42 | 12 | |
| 10 | MF | Federico Bernardeschi | 16 February 1994 (aged 28) | 38 | 6 | |
| 11 | FW | Matteo Politano | 3 August 1993 (aged 28) | 4 | 3 | |
| 12 | MF | Matteo Pessina | 21 April 1997 (aged 25) | 12 | 4 | |
| 13 | DF | Emerson Palmieri | 3 August 1994 (aged 27) | 26 | 0 | |
| 14 | GK | Alex Meret | 22 March 1997 (aged 25) | 2 | 0 | |
| 15 | DF | Francesco Acerbi | 10 February 1988 (aged 34) | 23 | 1 | |
| 16 | MF | Bryan Cristante | 3 March 1995 (aged 27) | 23 | 2 | |
| 17 | FW | Gianluca Scamacca | 1 January 1999 (aged 23) | 3 | 0 | |
| 18 | MF | Nicolò Barella | 7 February 1997 (aged 25) | 36 | 7 | |
| 19 | DF | Leonardo Bonucci | 1 May 1987 (aged 35) | 115 | 8 | |
| 20 | MF | Lorenzo Pellegrini | 19 June 1996 (aged 25) | 21 | 3 | |
| 21 | GK | Gianluigi Donnarumma | 25 February 1999 (aged 23) | 42 | 0 | |
| 22 | FW | Giacomo Raspadori | 18 February 2000 (aged 22) | 9 | 3 | |
| 23 | DF | Alessandro Bastoni | 13 April 1999 (aged 23) | 11 | 0 |
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 | GK | Franco Armani | 16 October 1986 (aged 35) | 17 | 0 | |
| 2 | DF | Juan Foyth | 12 January 1998 (aged 24) | 14 | 0 | |
| 3 | DF | Nicolás Tagliafico | 31 August 1992 (aged 29) | 39 | 0 | |
| 4 | DF | Nahuel Molina | 6 April 1998 (aged 24) | 15 | 0 | |
| 5 | MF | Alexis Mac Allister | 24 December 1998 (aged 23) | 4 | 0 | |
| 6 | DF | Germán Pezzella | 27 June 1991 (aged 30) | 28 | 2 | |
| 7 | MF | Rodrigo De Paul | 24 May 1994 (aged 28) | 39 | 2 | |
| 8 | DF | Marcos Acuña | 28 October 1991 (aged 30) | 41 | 0 | |
| 9 | FW | Julián Álvarez | 31 January 2000 (aged 22) | 7 | 1 | |
| 10 | FW | Lionel Messi (captain) | 24 June 1987 (aged 34) | 160 | 81 | |
| 11 | FW | Ángel Di María | 14 February 1988 (aged 34) | 121 | 24 | |
| 12 | GK | Gerónimo Rulli | 20 May 1992 (aged 30) | 3 | 0 | |
| 13 | DF | Cristian Romero | 27 April 1998 (aged 24) | 10 | 1 | |
| 14 | MF | Exequiel Palacios | 5 October 1998 (aged 23) | 18 | 0 | |
| 15 | MF | Nicolás González | 6 April 1998 (aged 24) | 19 | 3 | |
| 16 | DF | Lisandro Martínez | 18 January 1998 (aged 24) | 6 | 0 | |
| 17 | FW | Papu Gómez | 15 February 1988 (aged 34) | 13 | 3 | |
| 18 | MF | Guido Rodríguez | 12 April 1994 (aged 28) | 23 | 1 | |
| 19 | DF | Nicolás Otamendi | 12 February 1988 (aged 34) | 90 | 4 | |
| 20 | MF | Giovani Lo Celso | 9 April 1996 (aged 26) | 38 | 2 | |
| 21 | FW | Paulo Dybala | 15 November 1993 (aged 28) | 32 | 2 | |
| 22 | FW | Lautaro Martínez | 22 August 1997 (aged 24) | 37 | 19 | |
| 23 | GK | Emiliano Martínez | 2 September 1992 (aged 29) | 16 | 0 |
Pre-match
[edit]Identity
[edit]
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[4]
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Argentina[4]
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Man of the Match:
Assistant referees:[2]
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Match rules[29]
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Statistics
[edit]
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Notes
[edit]- ^ Each team was given only three opportunities to make substitutions, excluding substitutions made at half-time.
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Argentina's Lionel Messi named official Finalissima Player of the Match". UEFA. Union of European Football Associations. 1 June 2022. Archived from the original on 16 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
- ^ a b c "Árbitros confirmados para la Finalissima" [Referees confirmed for the Finalissima] (in Spanish). CONMEBOL. 30 May 2022. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- ^ a b Bate, Adam (1 June 2022). "Italy 0–3 Argentina: Lionel Messi's side win the Finalissima at Wembley after goals from Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria and Paulo Dybala". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 12 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
- ^ a b c "Tactical Line-ups – Final – Wednesday 1 June 2022" (PDF). UEFA. Union of European Football Associations. 1 June 2022. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
- ^ "Italy 0–3 Argentina: South American champions cruise to Finalissima glory". UEFA. Union of European Football Associations. 1 June 2022. Archived from the original on 2 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
- ^ "Worldwide football network". UEFA. Union of European Football Associations. 1 January 2011. Archived from the original on 15 December 2021. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
- ^ Vieli, André (2014). "UEFA: 60 years at the heart of football" (PDF). UEFA. Nyon: Union of European Football Associations. p. 169. Archived (PDF) from the original on 27 March 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- ^ Carter, Jon (5 June 2009). "A troubled tournament looks forward". ESPN. Archived from the original on 24 February 2015. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
- ^ "FIFA Council votes for the introduction of a revamped FIFA Club World Cup". FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 15 March 2019. Archived from the original on 16 July 2019. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
- ^ "UEFA and CONMEBOL renew Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation". UEFA. Union of European Football Associations. 12 February 2020. Archived from the original on 8 May 2022. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
- ^ "UEFA and CONMEBOL broaden cooperation". UEFA. Union of European Football Associations. 28 September 2021. Archived from the original on 15 December 2021. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
- ^ "UEFA and CONMEBOL renew and extend Memorandum of Understanding". UEFA. Union of European Football Associations. 15 December 2021. Archived from the original on 26 April 2022. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
- ^ "European and South American champions meet in 'Finalissima' Wembley showdown". UEFA. Union of European Football Associations. 22 March 2022. Archived from the original on 9 May 2022. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
- ^ a b "Finalissima 2022, Italy vs Argentina: Brand identity revealed". UEFA. Union of European Football Associations. 22 March 2022. Archived from the original on 8 May 2022. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
- ^ "Men's Ranking: 31 March 2022". FIFA. 31 March 2022. Archived from the original on 31 March 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- ^ "Italy 1–1 England, aet (3–2 on pens): Donnarumma the hero as Azzurri win Euro 2020!". UEFA. Union of European Football Associations. 11 July 2021. Archived from the original on 12 July 2021. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
- ^ "Argentina stun Brazil in Copa América final to end 28-year trophy drought". The Guardian. 10 July 2021. Archived from the original on 16 July 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
- ^ "Finalissima 2022, Italy vs Argentina: Meet the teams". UEFA. Union of European Football Associations. 22 March 2022. Archived from the original on 22 March 2022. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
- ^ "Finalissima 2022, Italy vs Argentina venue guide: Wembley Stadium, London". UEFA. Union of European Football Associations. 22 March 2022. Archived from the original on 22 March 2022. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
- ^ "Final whistle for Wembley's towers". BBC News. 1 September 2016. Archived from the original on 12 May 2006. Retrieved 26 October 2019.
- ^ "Gates' Microsoft Becomes Wembley Stadium Backer". Forbes. 20 October 2005. Archived from the original on 13 June 2018. Retrieved 26 October 2019.
- ^ Barnes, Stuart (2008). Nationwide Football Annual 2008–2009. SportsBooks Ltd. pp. 132, 134–143. ISBN 978-1-899807-72-7.
- ^ "Italy vs Argentina 2022 Finalissima preview: Where to watch, kick-off time, predicted line-ups". UEFA. Union of European Football Associations. 26 May 2022. Archived from the original on 26 May 2022. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
- ^ "Trentanove convocati per le gare di giugno: torna Spinazzola, prima chiamata per Frattesi e Pinamonti" [Thirty-nine called up for the June matches: Spinazzola is back, first call for Frattesi and Pinamonti]. Italian Football Federation (in Italian). 23 May 2022. Archived from the original on 24 May 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
- ^ "Inizia il raduno a Coverciano. Mancini: "Bisogna ripartire, ci sono giovani dal grande futuro"" [The meeting in Coverciano begins. Mancini: "We have to start again, there are young people with a great future"]. Italian Football Federation (in Italian). 27 May 2022. Archived from the original on 27 May 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
- ^ Selección Argentina [@Argentina] (13 May 2022). "El entrenador Lionel Scaloni dio a conocer la prelista de convocados para el viaje del equipo nacional. El próximo fin de semana se publicará la nómina definitiva" [Manager Lionel Scaloni announced the preliminary list for the national team's trip. The final list will be published next weekend.] (Tweet) (in Spanish). Retrieved 30 May 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ Selección Argentina [@Argentina] (20 May 2022). "El entrenador Lionel Scaloni dio a conocer la nómina definitiva de futbolistas para el viaje a Europa" [Manager Lionel Scaloni announced the final list of players for the trip to Europe.] (Tweet) (in Spanish). Retrieved 30 May 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Finalissima 2022 tickets: Wembley to host Italy vs Argentina". UEFA. Union of European Football Associations. 22 March 2022. Archived from the original on 15 May 2022. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
- ^ a b "Finalissima 2022, Italy vs Argentina: All you need to know". UEFA. Union of European Football Associations. 1 June 2022. Archived from the original on 22 March 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
- ^ "FIFA 2022 Refereeing International Lists: Chile" (PDF). FIFA. 27 January 2022. p. 45. Archived (PDF) from the original on 28 February 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- ^ "Piero Maza » Matches as referee". WorldFootball.net. Archived from the original on 24 December 2019. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
- ^ "Árbitros convocados para la CONMEBOL Copa América – Brasil 2019" [Referees summoned for the CONMEBOL Copa América – Brazil 2019] (in Spanish). CONMEBOL. 21 March 2019. Archived from the original on 31 March 2019. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- ^ "List of Appointed Match Officials FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019" (PDF). FIFA. 21 August 2019. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 January 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
- ^ a b c "Full Time Summary Final – Italy v Argentina" (PDF). UEFA. Union of European Football Associations. 1 June 2022. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
External links
[edit]2022 Finalissima
View on GrokipediaBackground
Historical Context
The Finalissima is an intercontinental football match contested between the winners of the UEFA European Championship and the CONMEBOL Copa América, serving as a championship showdown between the top national teams from Europe and South America.[7] Originally established in 1985 as the Artemio Franchi Cup—named in honor of the late UEFA general secretary Artemio Franchi—it was also referred to as the European/South American Nations Cup, reflecting its role in bridging the two confederations.[8] The competition aimed to crown a symbolic world champion among continental titleholders, predating broader FIFA initiatives like the Confederations Cup. The inaugural edition took place on 21 August 1985 at the Parc des Princes in Paris, where UEFA Euro 1984 winners France defeated Copa América 1983 champions Uruguay 2-0, with goals from Dominique Rocheteau and José Touré.[7] The second and final pre-revival match occurred on 24 February 1993 at the Estadio José María Minella in Mar del Plata, Argentina, pitting Copa América 1991 victors Argentina against UEFA Euro 1992 champions Denmark; after a 1-1 draw, Argentina prevailed 5-4 on penalties, with Diego Maradona captaining the side to their first title in the competition.[9] These two encounters marked the only editions held during the initial phase, with South America claiming one victory to level the aggregate score at 1-1 against Europe.[7] 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 FIFA Confederations Cup in 1992, and the lack of a structured bilateral agreement between UEFA and CONMEBOL to sustain the event.[10] The competition's irregular format and overlapping calendars further contributed to its discontinuation, as confederations prioritized their core tournaments.[11] The revival of the match was announced on 15 December 2021 as part of an expanded UEFA-CONMEBOL partnership, formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed in February 2020 to foster joint competitions and administrative collaboration.[12] 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.[7]Tournament Agreement
The 2022 Finalissima was established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UEFA and CONMEBOL, initially signed on 12 February 2020 to strengthen cooperation across various football domains, including the organization of intercontinental matches for men's, women's, and youth teams.[13] 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.[14] 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 UEFA EURO 2020 winners and the 2021 Copa América champions. Under the partnership, UEFA and CONMEBOL serve as joint organizers, with the 2022 edition hosted in Europe at Wembley Stadium in London to accommodate the European champion's participation.[1] The Finalissima is positioned as a quadrennial fixture, aligning with the four-year cycles of the UEFA European Championship and Copa América to determine an intercontinental champion.[15] The next edition is scheduled for 27 March 2026 at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, featuring the UEFA Euro 2024 winners Spain and the 2024 Copa América winners Argentina, continuing this tradition under the extended MoU framework.[16]Qualification
UEFA Euro 2020
The UEFA Euro 2020, postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was the 16th edition of the European Championship and took place from 11 June to 11 July 2021 across 11 host cities in Europe, including Rome, London, and Munich. 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 Italy emerging as one of the standout teams after failing to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. 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.[17][18] Key contributions came from players like Federico Chiesa, who scored a decisive goal in extra time against Austria, and Leonardo Bonucci, 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 Italy to victory and earned him UEFA Coach of the Year honors. This success qualified Italy as UEFA's representative for the 2022 Finalissima against Copa América champions Argentina. Entering the Finalissima on 1 June 2022 at Wembley, Italy held the sixth position in the FIFA Men's World Ranking, reflecting their strong form from the Euro triumph.[18][19]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 Argentina and Colombia but was relocated to Brazil due to civil unrest and COVID-19 concerns in the initial host nations.[20][21] 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.[22] Brazil hosted all matches across six cities, with the final at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.[23] 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.[24] 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).[25][26][27] 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.[28] 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.[24] 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.[29][24] Scaloni's tactical approach emphasized defensive solidity and quick transitions, with key contributions from goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez (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 Best Player honors alongside Brazil's Neymar and inspiring the team's resilience throughout the competition. Entering the 2022 Finalissima, Argentina held the fourth position in the FIFA Men's World Ranking, reflecting their resurgence as a top global contender following the Copa América triumph.[30] The core squad that won the 2021 Copa América formed the backbone of Argentina's team for the Finalissima, with minimal changes to maintain continuity.[31]Teams
Italy
Roberto Mancini named a 39-player preliminary squad for Italy's participation in the 2022 Finalissima on May 23, 2022, which was extended to 45 players on May 27 before being finalized to 23 ahead of the May 30 submission deadline.[32] 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 Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain, alongside Alex Meret of Napoli and Alessio Cragno of Cagliari as experienced backups. Donnarumma, the Euro 2020 hero, provided reliability between the posts, while Meret and Cragno offered Serie A depth.[32] In defense, the roster featured nine players: Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Leonardo Spinazzola (Roma), Manuel Lazzari (Lazio), Alessandro Florenzi (Milan), Emerson Palmieri (Olympique Lyonnais), Francesco Acerbi (Lazio), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), and Alessandro Bastoni (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.[32] The midfield contingent comprised seven players: Manuel Locatelli (Juventus), Jorginho (Chelsea), Federico Bernardeschi (Juventus), Matteo Pessina (Atalanta), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Nicolò Barella (Internazionale), and Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma). Jorginho 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.[32] Up front, four forwards were selected: Andrea Belotti (Torino), Matteo Politano (Napoli), Gianluca Scamacca (Sassuolo), and Giacomo Raspadori (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.[32] 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.[33][34] Italy entered the Finalissima on the back of a challenging period, having failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and winning just one of their previous five internationals.[35]| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Gianluigi Donnarumma | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Goalkeeper | Alex Meret | Napoli |
| Goalkeeper | Alessio Cragno | Cagliari |
| Defender | Giovanni Di Lorenzo | Napoli |
| Defender | Giorgio Chiellini | Juventus |
| Defender | Leonardo Spinazzola | Roma |
| Defender | Manuel Lazzari | Lazio |
| Defender | Alessandro Florenzi | Milan |
| Defender | Emerson Palmieri | Olympique Lyonnais |
| Defender | Francesco Acerbi | Lazio |
| Defender | Leonardo Bonucci | Juventus |
| Defender | Alessandro Bastoni | Internazionale |
| Midfielder | Manuel Locatelli | Juventus |
| Midfielder | Jorginho | Chelsea |
| Midfielder | Federico Bernardeschi | Juventus |
| Midfielder | Matteo Pessina | Atalanta |
| Midfielder | Bryan Cristante | Roma |
| Midfielder | Nicolò Barella | Internazionale |
| Midfielder | Lorenzo Pellegrini | Roma |
| Forward | Andrea Belotti | Torino |
| Forward | Matteo Politano | Napoli |
| Forward | Gianluca Scamacca | Sassuolo |
| Forward | Giacomo Raspadori | Sassuolo |
Argentina
Head coach Lionel Scaloni 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.[36] This selection emphasized experienced players and emerging talents, with Lionel Messi 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 UEFA and CONMEBOL. 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 knee injury sustained earlier in the season.[37] Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso (Villarreal) and forward Paulo Dybala (Juventus) were initially doubtful with hamstring and muscular injuries, respectively, but both were ultimately included after recovering sufficiently, adding depth to the midfield and attack.[36] The roster reflected Scaloni's preference for a balanced unit, blending defensive solidity from the Copa América 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.[38]| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Emiliano Martínez | Aston Villa |
| Goalkeeper | Franco Armani | River Plate |
| Goalkeeper | Gerónimo Rulli | Villarreal |
| Defender | Marcos Acuña | Sevilla |
| Defender | Juan Foyth | Villarreal |
| Defender | Lisandro Martínez | Ajax |
| Defender | Nahuel Molina | Udinese |
| Defender | Nicolás Otamendi | Benfica |
| Defender | Germán Pezzella | Real Betis |
| Defender | Cristian Romero | Tottenham Hotspur |
| Defender | Nicolás Tagliafico | Ajax |
| Midfielder | Rodrigo De Paul | Atlético Madrid |
| Midfielder | Giovani Lo Celso | Villarreal |
| Midfielder | Alexis Mac Allister | Brighton & Hove Albion |
| Midfielder | Exequiel Palacios | Bayer Leverkusen |
| Midfielder | Guido Rodríguez | Real Betis |
| Forward | Julián Álvarez | River Plate |
| Forward | Ángel Di María | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Forward | Paulo Dybala | Juventus |
| Forward | Lionel Messi | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Forward | Lautaro Martínez | Internazionale |
| Forward | Nicolás González | Fiorentina |
| Forward | Papu Gómez | Sevilla |
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.[39][40] 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.[41][42] 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 Wembley, the stadium boasts a storied legacy in international football, including hosting the 1966 FIFA World Cup final.[43][44]Ticketing and Attendance
Tickets for the 2022 Finalissima were made available for purchase exclusively through the UEFA 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 Wembley Stadium, which had a matchday capacity of 86,000.[43][45] Demand for tickets was exceptionally high, with all general public 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 Argentina, 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 UK.[43][46] Safety measures at the venue prioritized crowd management and public health amid ongoing COVID-19 considerations, with no mandatory testing required for entry and face masks deemed optional, though encouraged on concourses to align with broader UK guidelines. Stewarding was handled entirely by Wembley Stadium staff, ensuring compliance with event protocols and facilitating smooth access for the international crowd.[47]Squads
Italy
Roberto Mancini announced a 39-man preliminary squad for Italy's participation in the 2022 Finalissima on May 23, 2022, which was later reduced to the final 23 players 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.[32] The goalkeepers included first-choice Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain, alongside Alex Meret of Napoli and Alessio Cragno of Cagliari as experienced backups. Donnarumma, the Euro 2020 hero, provided reliability between the posts, while Meret and Cragno offered Serie A depth.[32] In defense, the roster featured nine players: Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Leonardo Spinazzola (Roma), Manuel Lazzari (Lazio), Alessandro Florenzi (AC Milan), Emerson Palmieri (Chelsea), Francesco Acerbi (Lazio), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), and Alessandro Bastoni (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.[32][48] The midfield contingent comprised seven players: Manuel Locatelli (Juventus), Jorginho (Chelsea), Federico Bernardeschi (Juventus), Matteo Pessina (Atalanta), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Nicolò Barella (Inter Milan), and Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma). Jorginho 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.[32] Up front, four forwards were selected: Andrea Belotti (Torino), Matteo Politano (Napoli), Gianluca Scamacca (Sassuolo), and Giacomo Raspadori (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.[32][49] 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.[33][34] Italy entered the Finalissima on the back of a challenging period, having failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and winning just one of their previous five internationals.[35]Argentina
Head coach Lionel Scaloni 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.[36] This selection emphasized experienced players and emerging talents, with Lionel Messi 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 UEFA and CONMEBOL. 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 knee injury sustained earlier in the season.[37] Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso (Villarreal) and forward Paulo Dybala (Juventus) were initially doubtful with hamstring and muscular injuries, respectively, but both were ultimately included after recovering sufficiently, adding depth to the midfield and attack.[36] The roster reflected Scaloni's preference for a balanced unit, blending defensive solidity from the Copa América 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.[38]| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Emiliano Martínez | Aston Villa |
| Goalkeeper | Franco Armani | River Plate |
| Goalkeeper | Gerónimo Rulli | Villarreal |
| Defender | Marcos Acuña | Sevilla |
| Defender | Juan Foyth | Villarreal |
| Defender | Lisandro Martínez | Ajax |
| Defender | Nahuel Molina | Udinese |
| Defender | Gonzalo Montiel | Sevilla |
| Defender | Nicolás Otamendi | Benfica |
| Defender | Germán Pezzella | Real Betis |
| Defender | Cristian Romero | Tottenham Hotspur |
| Defender | Nicolás Tagliafico | Ajax |
| Midfielder | Rodrigo De Paul | Atlético Madrid |
| Midfielder | Enzo Fernández | River Plate |
| Midfielder | Giovani Lo Celso | Villarreal |
| Midfielder | Alexis Mac Allister | Brighton & Hove Albion |
| Midfielder | Exequiel Palacios | Bayer Leverkusen |
| Midfielder | Guido Rodríguez | Real Betis |
| Midfielder | Leandro Paredes | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Forward | Julián Álvarez | River Plate |
| Forward | Ángel Di María | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Forward | Paulo Dybala | Juventus |
| Forward | Lionel Messi | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Forward | Lautaro Martínez | Inter Milan |
| Forward | Nicolás González | Fiorentina |
Pre-Match
Branding and Identity
The brand identity for the 2022 Finalissima was unveiled by UEFA on 22 March 2022, emphasizing themes of unity and triumph between European and South American football champions.[52] The central element, the event logo, drew inspiration from the laurel wreath—a classical symbol of excellence, victory, protection, and growth—formed by intertwining ribbons in UEFA's signature blue and CONMEBOL's vibrant yellow, representing the fusion of the two confederations.[52] This design was extended across visual assets, including stadium graphics and promotional materials, to create a cohesive aesthetic that highlighted the intercontinental rivalry.[53] 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.[52] Official merchandise included the Adidas Al Rihla 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 Wembley showdown.[54] Promotional efforts were a collaborative venture between UEFA and CONMEBOL, 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 Lionel Messi against European stars.[55] Social media 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 Artemio Franchi Cup from 1985, measuring 45 cm in height and weighing 8.5 kg, crafted from brass with silver plating and a modern dark grey nickel-plated base for added contemporary appeal.[2] Designed by Valentina Losa, it preserved the classic shape while symbolizing the enduring legacy of intercontinental competition, with engravings for the victorious team.[2]Officials
The match officials for the 2022 Finalissima were jointly appointed by UEFA and CONMEBOL to ensure neutrality, with a referee from CONMEBOL selected to balance the UEFA-hosted event at Wembley Stadium.[1] Piero Daniel Maza Gómez from Chile 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.[56][57] The assistant referees were Christian Schiemann and Claudio Ríos, both from Chile, who supported Maza on the sidelines.[56] Jesús Gil Manzano from Spain acted as the fourth official.[56] The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team consisted of Alejandro Hernández from Spain as the lead VAR, with Juan Martínez Munuera from Spain and Tiago Martins from Portugal serving as assistant VARs; the match proceeded without any significant controversies involving officiating decisions.[56]Match
Summary
The 2022 Finalissima between Italy and Argentina kicked off on 1 June 2022 at 20:45 BST at Wembley Stadium in London, with Argentina donning their traditional light blue and white striped home kit paired with black shorts, while Italy wore their blue home kit. The lineups featured a strong Argentina side led by Lionel Messi in midfield alongside Lautaro Martínez up front, facing an Italy team anchored by Giorgio Chiellini in defense and Ciro Immobile 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.[58][59][60] 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.[3][58][5] At half-time, Italy made a triple change, bringing on Manuel Lazzari for Chiellini in his final international appearance, Manuel Locatelli for Federico Bernardeschi, and Gianluca Scamacca for Andrea Belotti, while later substituting Giacomo Raspadori for Immobile around the hour mark in an effort to inject energy. Argentina, 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 Paulo Dybala, who drilled a low shot into the bottom corner. Yellow cards were also shown to Nicolás Otamendi of Argentina, and to Italy's Giovanni Di Lorenzo in the 72nd minute and Nicolò Barella in the 78th minute for fouls. The final whistle confirmed a 3-0 victory for Argentina, with Messi earning the Man of the Match award for his two assists and overall influence.[61][62][58]Statistics
The 2022 Finalissima match between Italy and Argentina showcased a dominant performance by Argentina, reflected in key quantitative metrics. Argentina controlled 55% of possession compared to Italy's 45%, allowing them to generate more attacking opportunities despite Italy's reputation for ball retention. Argentina attempted 17 shots, with 9 on target, while Italy managed only 7 shots, 3 of which were on target.[63]| Statistic | Italy | Argentina |
|---|---|---|
| Possession (%) | 45 | 55 |
| Total shots | 7 | 17 |
| Shots on target | 3 | 9 |
| Corners | 3 | 4 |
| Fouls committed | 13 | 16 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 87 | 89 |
| Passes completed | 384 | 495 |
