After their shock failure to qualify for the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Italy return to the scene of their EURO 2021 triumph when they face South American champions Argentina at Wembley Stadium in a matchup dubbed the Finalissima, or the UEFA-CONMEBOL Cup of Champions .
One of their heroes of that win over England in the final, Giorgio Chiellini, will play the final match of his Azzurri career in the one-off game played over 90 minutes.
There will be no extra time and the match will go straight to penalties if the score is level at full time, which will be a relief to both sets of players following the end of their domestic seasons.
Argentina earned their place in the Finalissima by winning the Copa America for the first time since 1993, handing their captain, Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi, his first major trophy with his country.
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How to watch Italy vs. Argentina
| UK | USES | Canada | Australia | |
| Date | Wed, June 1 | Wed, June 1 | Wed, June 1 | Thurs, June 2 |
| Time | 19:45 BST | 14:45 ET | 14:45 ET | 04:45 EST |
| TV-channel | Premier Sports | FS1 | — | — |
| streaming | Premier Sports | fuboTV, ViX | DAZN | OptusSport |
Italy vs. Argentina predicted line-ups
Juventus captain Chiellini will make an emotional 117th and final appearance for Italy at the heart of their defence.
Italy’s side is likely to look familiar to fans who watched their EURO 2021 campaign but look out for a couple of newcomers: 23-year-old Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca has been linked with Premier League clubs Arsenal and West Ham, and winger Nicolo Zaniolo, who is a year younger than Scamacca, impressed on Roma’s way to UEFA Europa Conference League glory.
Italy predicted lineup (4-3-3): Donnarumma (GK) — Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Emerson — Barella, Jorginho, Verratti — Zaniolo, Scamacca, Insigne
Argentina’s lineup will be bidding to extend the nation’s unbeaten run to 32 matches, lasting almost three years.
Angel Di Maria has played his final game for PSG, but is likely to immediately be reunited with Messi on the international stage.
Argentina predicted lineup (4-3-3): E. Martinez (GK) — Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna — De Paul, Rodriguez, Lo Celso — Messi, L. Martinez, Di Maria
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Italy vs. Argentina betting odds
Italy’s 3-2 win in Turkey on March 29 was their first in four matches, so it is perhaps unsurprising that Argentina are favourites.
Fans of Roberto Mancini’s side are still reeling from their last-gasp defeat to North Macedonia in their World Cup qualifying playoff semi-final five days before that victory.
| UK (Skybet) |
|
| Italy Win | +180 |
| drawing | +210 |
| Argentina Win | +150 |
| Over 2.5 Goals | +120 |
| Both Teams to Score | -120 |
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George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism