The 2022 Finalissima between Argentina and Italy revived the historic Artemio Franchi Cup, pitting the reigning Copa América champions against the winners of the UEFA European Championship. Played at a sold-out Wembley Stadium, the fixture served as a major litmus test for two traditional powerhouses embarking on different international cycles. Argentina delivered a tactical masterclass, defeating Italy 3-0 behind goals from Lautaro Martínez, Ángel Di María, and Paulo Dybala, with Lionel Messi orchestrating the attack.
Understanding this fixture requires looking beyond the scoreline to examine how Lionel Scaloni’s side dismantled Roberto Mancini’s European champions. The match exposed contrasting trajectories: a confident Albiceleste squad surging toward World Cup glory months later, contrasted with an Azzurri side grappling with a transitional phase after missing out on the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Tactical Breakdown of the Wembley Clash
Scaloni deployed a fluid 4-3-3 formation designed to exploit the spaces left by Italy's midfield. Guido Rodríguez anchored the midfield, allowing Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso to press high and support the front three of Messi, Martínez, and Di María.
Italy struggled to cope with Messi's free-roaming role between the lines. The Argentine captain drifted away from Jorginho’s zone, creating numerical superiorities. The opening goal in the 28th minute encapsulated this strategy: Messi shrugged off Giovanni Di Lorenzo on the flank and squared the ball for Martínez to tap home.
- The Midfield Battle: Argentina won the second-ball contest convincingly. De Paul's relentless work rate disrupted Barella and Jorginho, cutting off supply lines to Italy's front line.
- Defensive Stability: Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi neutralized Andrea Belotti and later Gianluca Scamacca, restricting Italy to low-probability shots from distance.
- Clinical Finishing: Argentina converted their dominance into goals, outshooting Italy with 10 shots on target compared to Italy's 4.
Historical Context of the Intercontinental Supercup
The Finalissima isn't an entirely new concept; it is the modern reincarnation of the Artemio Franchi Cup, which was previously played in 1985 and 1993.
- 1985 Edition: France defeated Uruguay 2-0 at the Parc des Princes.
- 1993 Edition: Argentina defeated Denmark on penalties at Mar del Plata after a 1-1 draw, with Diego Maradona featuring for the Albiceleste.
Reviving the tournament under the UEFA and CONMEBOL banner created a high-stakes competitive fixture outside of the World Cup cycle, giving South American and European champions a direct platform to measure continental supremacy.
Turning Points and Individual Brilliance
The match featured distinct individual narratives that shaped the broader landscape of international football. For Italy, the game marked the emotional international retirement of legendary captain Giorgio Chiellini. The veteran center-back started his 117th and final match for the Azzurri before being substituted at halftime, closing the book on a stellar defensive career.
For Argentina, the night belonged to Messi. Despite not scoring, the playmaker earned the official Man of the Match award after registering two assists and controlling the tempo. His run past defender Matteo Gabbia-successor Di Lorenzo in stoppage time, followed by a precise pass to Dybala for the third goal, highlighted his enduring influence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the first official Finalissima?
Argentina won the inaugural modern Finalissima by defeating Italy 3-0 on June 1, 2022, at Wembley Stadium.
How many times have Argentina and Italy played each other?
Across official competitions and friendlies, Argentina and Italy have faced each other 15 times, with Italy winning six matches, Argentina winning five, and four ending in draws.
What is the qualification criteria for the Finalissima?
The match serves as a one-off intercontinental supercup contested between the reigning champions of the UEFA European Championship and the CONMEBOL Copa América.
Did Lionel Messi score in the 2022 Finalissima?
Messi didn't score, but he provided two crucial assists—setting up Lautaro Martínez and Paulo Dybala—and earned the Man of the Match award.
