The 2020 EURO champions and 2021 Copa America winners, Italy and Argentina, respectively, will face off in a competitive match in 2022 as part of efforts from Europe’s soccer governing body UEFA and South America’s CONMEBOL to expand their cooperation.
The UEFA announced the match, reportedly referred to as “Finalissima”, on Tuesday and revealed that the event is set to take place in June next year. Further details, including the venue and exact date, remain unknown.
Italy won the 2020 EURO on penalties against England, claiming their second European Championship. Argentina, on the other hand, won their 15th Copa America title by beating their biggest rivals Brazil 1-0 in the finals. This was also the first major trophy for superstar Lionel Messi in Argentina’s jersey.
The initial agreement between the UEFA and CONMEBOL laid plans for three editions of Finalissima. According to the current schedule of European and South American continental soccer competitions, Finalissima would be played each four years.
“By reaching this agreement, UEFA and CONMEBOL express their commitment to the development of football beyond their geographical zones, as a bridge uniting people, countries, continents, and cultures,” said UEFA in a statement.
