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Brazil Coach Tite fined $5000 for criticising Copa America

The South American football governing body CONMEBOL fined Brazil's coach Tite for criticising the organisation of Copa America 2021.

Jun 26, 2021, 11:29 AM2 min read

Brazil Coach Tite fined $5000 for criticising Copa America

CONMEBOL fined Brazil coach Tite an amount of $5000 for criticising the organisation of Copa America.
Tite said in a news conference on June 12 that the organisation shifted the Copa America to Brazil in a confusing manner.

Also read: Ecuador vs Brazil: Copa America 2021 Match Preview, Team News, Dream 11 Prediction

The situation became worse when coach Tite further criticized the pitch and how tough it is to play on it. He expressed his sadness about the players who play in top-notch pitches in Europe and have to play in such bad pitches in Brazil. The creative players who help the team in build-up plays are finding it hard to create because of the pitch, Tite said in a statement.

"I am not going to call this pitch horrible, but it is very bad to play soccer, it affects the whole spectacle. Those willing to create just cannot." "The time to do this (Copa America) was too short. It is unacceptable that players of two teams of high level, who play with a great pitch in Europe, come here to play on a pitch like this."

Brazil's Coach Tite

This is not the first time that the organisers of the Copa America have been questioned. Last year Lionel Messi spoke against CONMEBOL which sparked controversies. This year on June 18, CONMEBOL fined Bolivia striker Marcelo Martins $20,000 for blaming the soccer body for the rising COVID-19 cases at the Copa America.

Brazil players reportedly threatened to boycott the competition just before it started. They published a letter saying they are against the organisation. However, they played in the competition citing that they will not say no to national team.

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AFC and CONCACAF Chiefs express concerns over 64-team World Cup expansion

AFC president, Shaikh Salman, and Concacaf president, Victor Montagliani, have raised their voices against the proposal of expansion to a 64-team World Cup.

Apr 15, 2025, 11:11 AM5 min read

AFC and CONCACAF Chiefs express concerns over 64-team World Cup expansion-sportzpoint.com

The controversy over the potential increase in the 2030 FIFA World Cup roster to 64 teams has gained momentum, with key football officials coming out to oppose it. The Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have joined forces against this controversial suggestion.

Concacaf chief Victor Montagliani has joined the increasing call to oppose the plan to increase the World Cup teams to 64, claiming increasing the number of teams "would not be the right move".

AFC president Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa also warned against the expansion to 64 teams and the ‘chaos’ it could lead to, telling Agence France Press (AFP), “Personally, I don’t agree."

AFC and CONCACAF Presidents show concerns over expansion

AFC and CONCACAF Chiefs express concerns over 64-team World Cup expansion-sportzpoint.com
Conmebol president Alejandro Dominguez. (Image Source | X)

In March's FIFA Council, Uruguayan football chief Ignacio Alonso proposed expansion of the 2030 World Cup. FIFA later announced that it would study the proposal.

Since then, Conmebol president Alejandro Dominguez has been the frontrunning campaigner for an expansion to 64 teams. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been silent on the idea, but according to sources close to FIFA, he favours the plan and came up with it in the first place.

Conmebol have often been his path to market for alterations that he desires – the most stunning of these recently having been for a biennial World Cup cycle.

Last week, Dominguez supported a tournament extension from 48 teams to 64 teams in the 2030 World Cup as a once-off for the centenary celebrations for the global finals. Dominguez said:

We are convinced that the celebration of the centenary will be something unique, because it has only once been 100 years old. And for this reason, we are proposing, for one, to carry out this anniversary with 64 teams, across three simultaneous continents. So that all countries have the opportunity to live a world experience, and so that no one is left out of this party even if it is played everywhere, it is our party.

AFC and CONCACAF Chiefs express concerns over 64-team World Cup expansion-sportzpoint.com
Victor Montagliani, Concacaf President. (Image Source | X)

With Victor Montagliani joining the mounting anti-64-team World Cup campaign, he is joined by fellow FIFA vice presidents Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa (AFC president) and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.

Following Infantino, they are the next three strongest political officials in the world governing body. Montagliani told ESPN:

At Concacaf, we’ve shown that we are open to change by supporting the Women’s World Cup expansion and the continuous evolution of our Confederation’s men’s and women’s national team and club events,”

I don’t believe expanding the men’s World Cup to 64 teams is the right move for the tournament itself and the broader football ecosystem, from national teams to club competitions, leagues, and players.

AFC and CONCACAF Chiefs express concerns over 64-team World Cup expansion-sportzpoint.com
AFC president Sheikh Salman and FIFA president Gianni Infantino in 2022. (Image Source | X)

Yesterday, AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa cautioned against expansion to 64 teams and the 'chaos' it might bring, telling Agence France-Presse: "Personally, I don't agree." He further stated:

If the question is open to amendment, then the door will not only be open to increasing the tournament to 64 teams,"

But somebody will come along and insist on increasing the amount to 132 teams. Where would we get to then? It would be chaos.

Even the president of UEFA, Aleksander Ceferin, who also serves as FIFA vice president, joined the chorus of criticism. He stated:

It is not a good idea for the World Cup itself, and it's not a good idea for our qualifiers as well," 

I don't know where it came from, but it's odd that we didn't know anything prior to this proposal at the FIFA Council."

Future World Cups and logistical issues

AFC and CONCACAF Chiefs express concerns over 64-team World Cup expansion-sportzpoint.com
(Image Source | X)

Excitement is rising for the first-ever 48-team World Cup to be staged in 2026 by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

This event is a huge rise from the traditional 32-team setup, and any further expansion to 64 would double matches to a mind-boggling 128. Contrary to this, the forthcoming 2026 event will host 104 matches to be staged in 16 host cities.

Read Also | FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams qualified so far

The logistical issues for the 2030 World Cup are already significant, with its games spread across three continents. Its initial host nations are Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, but Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina will be hosting the milestone opening games, marking a century since the tournament's first edition was held in Uruguay.

FIFA has yet to comment publicly on the feasibility of this proposal, although they did confirm their duty to consider it.

Read Also | FIFA dismisses Morocco's claims about Western Sahara in the 2030 FIFA World Cup bid assessment report

The proposal is expected to be a subject of debate at FIFA's upcoming 75th Congress, which takes place annually on May 15 in Paraguay's capital, Asunción, which houses the headquarters of Conmebol. The congress agenda is yet to be published, but the plan for a 64-team World Cup will supposedly receive intense local lobbying in the backrooms and corridors of FIFA.

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Uruguay vs Argentina 2026 World Cup Qualifiers | Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible Lineups and Scoreline Prediction

Read the full match preview, head-to-head stats, possible starting lineups, and Scoreline Prediction of the Uruguay vs Argentina match tonight in the 2026 World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers.

Mar 21, 2025, 11:08 AM4 min read

Uruguay vs Argentina 2026 World Cup Qualifiers | Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible Lineups and Fantasy XI Prediction-sportzpoint.com

Argentina, the defending World Champions, will recommence their journey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in the CONMEBOL zone as they take on Uruguay on March 22nd at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay.

On 17 November 2023, Uruguay handed Argentina their first defeat since the World Cup win, when they defeated La Albicelestes by 2-0 in the reverse fixture of the qualifiers at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires.

From possible starting XIs to Fantasy predictions, here is everything you need to know about the Uruguay vs Argentina fixture in the 2026 World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers.

Match Details 

Match: Uruguay vs Argentina match - 2026 World Cup Conmebol Qualifiers

Date: 22 March 2025

Time: 5:00 AM IST

Venue: Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay

Uruguay vs Argentina 2026 World Cup Qualifiers | Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible Lineups and Fantasy XI Prediction-sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | ESPN Uruguay)

Broadcasting and Streaming Details

The live streaming of the Uruguay vs Argentina, CONMEBOL Qualifiers match will be available on the FanCode app and website. There is no official TV broadcasting available in India.

Team News

Uruguay 

Uruguay vs Argentina 2026 World Cup Qualifiers | Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible Lineups and Fantasy XI Prediction-sportzpoint.com
Uruguay against Colombia last November. (Image Source | X)

Uruguay have emerged triumphant against Brazil and Colombia at home since former Argentina boss Marcelo Bielsa's appointment in May 2023.

The 'Los Charrúas' are currently standing in the third position of the CONMEBOL Qualifiers leaderboard, having earned 20 points in 12 matches. 

Marcelo Bielsa has made an unusual decision by naming a 38-man squad for the qualifying matches against Argentina and Bolivia, which offers a whole new set of players an opportunity to feature for the national team in these important matches. 

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte was among the names selected, but he will miss the game against Argentina, due to the accumulation of yellow cards. 

Federico Valverde, Ronald Araujo, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Darwin Nunez are all expected to start, whereas Nunez has expressed his desire to come out of his struggling form at Liverpool.

Argentina

Uruguay vs Argentina 2026 World Cup Qualifiers | Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible Lineups and Fantasy XI Prediction-sportzpoint.com
Argentina won 1-0 against Peru in their last game in November. (Image Credit | Reuters)

Argentina have accumulated 25 points from their 12 qualifying matches and currently sits at the top of the table. La Albicelestes can secure their place in the next World Cup if they end the March international break with a 13-point lead over the seventh-placed team. 

The Lionel Scaloni-led team is currently the top-ranked national team in FIFA Rankings, but their form has been inconsistent since winning the 2024 Copa America title. In their last six matches, they have won three, lost two, and drawn one, with none of those victories coming in an away game.

Ahead of the team selection, Lionel Scaloni has faced significant injury woes, as his biggest weapon, captain Lionel Messi has been sidelined due to an adductor injury. Striker Lautaro Martinez had also withdrawn himself from the squad due to hamstring issues.

Scaloni will have to field a competitive eleven without the services of Gonzalo Montiel, Giovani Lo Celso, and Paulo Dybala as well, who all have been ruled out due to different injury concerns.

Head-to-head Stats 

Here are the head-to-head stats between Uruguay and Argentina in the FIFA World Cup, World Cup Qualifiers and Copa America matches. 

Matches Played: 49

Uruguay won: 17

Argentina won: 24

Draws: 8

Possible Playing XI

Uruguay 

Sergio Rochet; Nahitan Nandez, Ronald Araujo, Jose Gimenez, Marcelo Saracchi; Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Bentancur, Rodrigo Aguirre; Facundo Pellistri, Maximiliano Araujo, Darwin Nunez

Argentina

Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez; Angel Correa, Nico Gonzalez, Julian Alvarez

Scoreline Prediction

Uruguay has already defeated Brazil and Colombia at home in the current qualifying cycle. Given that Argentina will be without stars like Messi and Martinez, we believe the hosts have a great opportunity to secure all three points. This is also significant as the visitors have lost two of their last three away qualifiers.

Our Prediction: Uruguay 2-1 Argentina

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Venezuela vs Argentina FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Will Messi and Emiliano Martinez play the match?

Argentina will face Venezuela in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers match on 11th October 2024 at 2:30 AM IST at the Estadio Monumental de Maturín Stadium in Venezuela.

Oct 10, 2024, 1:22 PM3 min read

Lionel Messi and Emiliano Martinez (Image Courtesy | Stadium Astro)

Argentina National Football Team is back in business as they will face the challenge of Venezuela in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers match on 11th October 2024 at 2:30 AM IST at the Estadio Monumental de Maturín Stadium in Venezuela.

Lionel Messi was rested from the national team following his injury in the Copa America 2024 Final and he is back with the national team squad to play against Venezuela. However, Argentina's first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez will miss the match against Venezuela as he was left out of the squad due to his 2-match suspension given by the FIFA disciplinary committee. 

Argentina squad for the matches against Venezuela and Bolivia 

Lionel Messi suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle during the Copa America 2024 Final against Colombia. He missed a couple of matches for his club Inter Miami and missed two World Cup Qualifier games in the national crest against Chile and Colombia in July. He returned to play for Miami on 14th September 2024 against Philadelphia Union and he scored two goals and made one assist.

Venezuela vs Argentina FIFA World Cup Qualifiers-sportzpoint.com
Messi in training ahead of the Venezuela game. (Image Courtesy | Seleccion Argentina on X0

It is safe to say that Messi will start for Argentina but coach Lionel Scaloni can rotate his squad as he addressed this as a tough game. 

Emiliano Martinez was found to be guilty of "violating principles of Fairplay" on two occasions. The goalkeeper was found to have violated FIFA's code of conduct when holding a replica of the Copa America trophy to his groin after the World Cup qualifier win over Chile on 5th September 2024. 

Venezuela vs Argentina FIFA World Cup Qualifiers-sportzpoint.com
(Image Courtesy | Goal.com)

FIFA also banned him for the accusations of hitting a TV cameraman, Johnny Jackson's camera with his gloves after their 2-1 defeat to Colombia on 10th September 2024. Emiliano is banned for two games and that is why he will miss the clash against Venezuela on 11th October and Bolivia on 16th October 2024.

Lionel Scaloni stated about this incident in the press conference:

"Emiliano (Martínez) has already expressed himself very well publicly. I hope it doesn't happen again because the team cannot afford not to have Dibu, even though I don't agree with the sanction."

Argentina is currently at the top of the CONMEBOL qualifiers with 18 points in 8 games, whereas Venezuela is currently 6th with 10 points in 8 games.

Match Details 

Match: Argentina vs Venezuela

Date:  11 October 2024

Time: 2:30 AM IST

Venue: Estadio Monumental de Maturín, Venezuela

Streaming Details

The Venezuela vs Argentina match in the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup Qualifiers will not be available for telecast in India. Football fans can watch the live streaming of the match on the Fancode app and website.

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Messi vs Ronaldo: Messi scores his first free-kick for PSG and goes past Ronaldo in free-kick stats

With his first free-kick goal for PSG in the Ligue1, Messi has now scored 60 goals from the dead ball and leads the Messi vs Ronaldo battle.

Sep 1, 2022, 8:45 PM7 min read

Messi vs Ronaldo: Messi scores his first free-kick for PSG and goes past Ronaldo in free-kick stats

Messi vs Ronaldo is the biggest and the best rivalry in football history that is going on for the last decade. Such as the talent and success rate of both the players that they keep breaking records literally every match. Even with their age both of them keep pushing themselves to be the best version of themselves. Also, in order not to miss the opportunity to make money from playing your favourite players, you can download the Bluechip casino apk to make bets on your device.

Read Also: Top 10: Most Free-kick Goals In Football History (Updated)

In the Premier League contest between Manchester United and Norwich City, Ronaldo scored a scintillating hat-trick to save United from another loss. In that hat-trick, Ronaldo scored a stunner with the free-kick to equal Messi's record of 58 career free-kick goals.

Messi vs Ronaldo: Messi scores his first free-kick for PSG and goes past Ronaldo in free-kick stats | Sportz Point

However, with a stunner against Jamaica in an international friendly, Messi went past Ronaldo and then followed that with his first goal from the dead ball for PSG.

Read Also: Top 10 Highest scorers in the history of the UEFA Euros (Updated)

Messi in total has a success rate of 16.5 games per free-kick goal. Meanwhile, Cristiano has a success rate of a free-kick scored every 19.5 games. Moreover, Messi has a conversion rate of 9% in leagues. Meanwhile, Cristiano has a conversion rate of 6.2% in leagues when it comes to scoring from set-pieces.

However, Cristiano Ronaldo has a better success rate when it comes to taking free-kick for his country. Ronaldo scores in every 19.1 games in free kicks. On the other hand, Messi scores a free-kick for Argentina every 18.1 games.

Read Also: Cristiano Ronaldo: Hat-tricks for each Club

Messi vs Ronaldo Free-kick details

Messi has scored 51 free-kick goals at the club level whereas Ronaldo has scored 48 free-kick goals at the club level. Lionel Messi has scored 9 free-kick goals for Argentina. Meanwhile, Cristiano Rolando has 10 goals for Portugal. In the Champions League Messi has 5 free-kick goals whereas Ronaldo has 12 UCL free-kick goals.

Though both of them are at the end of their career, the Messi vs Ronaldo rivalry is far from over.

Messi's full list of free-kick scored | Messi vs Ronaldo

Date H/A Team Opponent Competition
02/10.2022 H PSG Nice Ligue1
28/09/2022 N Argentina Jamaica International Friendly
03/07/2021 N Argentina Ecuador Copa America
14/06/2021 N Argentina Chile Copa America
02/05/2021 A Barcelona Valencia La Liga
31/01/2021 H Barcelona Athletic Bilbao La Liga
09/01/2021 A Barcelona Granada La Liga
16/07/2020 H Barcelona Osasuna La Liga
09/11/2019 H Barcelona Celta Vigo La Liga
09/11/2019 H Barcelona Celta Vigo La Liga
29/10/2019 H Barcelona Real Valladolid La Liga
06/10/2019 H Barcelona Sevilla La Liga
01/05/2019 H Barcelona Liverpool Champions League
02/04/2019 A Barcelona Villarreal La Liga
30/03/2019 H Barcelona Espanyol La Liga
17/03/2019 A Barcelona Real Betis La Liga
08/12/2018 A Barcelona Espanyol La Liga
08/12/2018 A Barcelona Espanyol La Liga
18/09/2018 H Barcelona PSV Eindhoven Champions League
18/08/2018 H Barcelona Alaves La Liga
07/04/2018 H Barcelona Leganes La Liga
04/03/2018 H Barcelona Atletico Madrid La Liga
01/03/2018 A Barcelona Las Palmas La Liga
24/02/2018 H Barcelona Girona La Liga
28/01/2018 H Barcelona Alaves La Liga
14/01/2018 A Barcelona Real Sociedad La Liga
18/10/2017 H Barcelona Olympiacos Champions League
04/02/2017 H Barcelona Athletic Bilbao La Liga
11/01/2017 H Barcelona Athletic Bilbao Copa del Rey
08/01/2017 A Barcelona Villarreal La Liga
05/01/2017 A Barcelona Athletic Bilbao Copa del Rey
15/11/2016 H Argentina Colombia World Cup Qualifier
21/06/2016 N Argentina USA Copa America
10/06/2016 N Argentina Panama Copa America
08/05/2016 H Barcelona Espanyol La Liga
28/02/2016 H Barcelona Sevilla La Liga
14/02/2016 H Barcelona Celta Vigo La Liga
06/01/2016 H Barcelona Espanyol Copa del Rey
12/12/2015 H Barcelona Deportivo La Coruna La Liga
11/08/2015 H Barcelona Sevilla UEFA Super Cup
11/08/2015 H Barcelona Sevilla UEFA Super Cup
08/02/2015 A Barcelona Athletic Bilbao La Liga
22/11/2014 H Barcelona Sevilla La Liga
25/06/2014 N Argentina Nigeria World Cup
20/04/2014 H Barcelona Athletic Bilbao La Liga
02/03/2014 H Barcelona Almeria La Liga
18/09/2013 H Barcelona Ajax Champions League
05/05/2013 H Barcelona Real Betis La Liga
16/02/2013 A Barcelona Granada La Liga
13/10/2012 H Argentina Uruguay World Cup Qualifier
07/10/2012 H Barcelona Real Madrid La Liga
08/09/2012 H Argentina Paraguay World Cup Qualifier
29/08/2012 A Barcelona Real Madrid Supercopa de Espana
05/05/2012 H Barcelona Espanyol La Liga
24/03/2012 A Barcelona Mallorca La Liga
26/02/2012 A Barcelona Atletico Madrid La Liga
08/01/2011 A Barcelona Deportivo La Coruna La Liga
06/03/2010 A Barcelona Almeria La Liga
09/12/2009 A Barcelona Dynamo Kyiv Champions League
04/10/2008 H Barcelona Atletico Madrid La Liga

Ronaldo's full list of free-kick scored | Messi vs Ronaldo

Date H/A Team Opponent Compettion
16/04/2022 H Manchester United Norwich City Premier League
08/09/2020 A Portugal Sweden UEFA Nations League
04/07/2020 H Juventus Torino Serie A
05/06/2019 H Portugal Switzerland UEFA Nations League
15/06/2018 N Portugal Spain World Cup
16/12/2017 H Real Madrid Gremio Club World Cup
25/03/2017 H Portugal Hungary World Cup Qualifier
25/01/2017 A Real Madrid Celta Vigo Copa del Rey
19/11/2016 A Real Madrid Atletico Madrid La Liga
14/09/2016 H Real Madrid Sporting CP Champions League
12/04/2016 H Real Madrid Wolfsburg Champions League
05/03/2016 H Real Madrid Celta Vigo La Liga
08/12/2015 H Real Madrid Malmo Champions League
23/05/2015 H Real Madrid Getafe La Liga
11/04/2015 H Real Madrid Eibar La Liga
29/04/2014 A Real Madrid Bayern Munich Champions League
26/03/2014 A Real Madrid Sevilla La Liga
15/01/2014 A Real Madrid Osasuna Copa del Rey
09/11/2013 H Real Madrid Real Sociedad La Liga
25/09/2013 A Real Madrid Elche La Liga
06/09/2013 A Portugal Northern Ireland World Cup Qualifier
08/05/2013 H Real Madrid Malaga La Liga
14/04/2013 A Real Madrid Athletico Bilbao La Liga
06/01/2013 H Real Madrid Real Sociedad La Liga
01/12/2012 H Real Madrid Atletico Madrid La Liga
11/04/2012 A Real Madrid Atletico Madrid La Liga
04/04/2012 H Real Madrid APOEL Champions League
31/03/2012 A Real Madrid Osasuna La Liga
15/11/2011 H Portugal Bosnia Euro Qualifier Play-off
02/11/2011 A Real Madrid Lyon Champions League
11/10/2011 A Portugal Denmark Euro Qualifier
10/08/2011 H Portugal Luxembourg Friendly
15/05/2011 A Real Madrid Villarreal La Liga
15/05/2011 A Real Madrid Villarreal La Liga
12/12/2010 A Real Madrid Real Zaragoza La Liga
20/11/2010 H Real Madrid Athletico Bilbao La Liga
19/10/2010 H Real Madrid AC Milan Champions League
12/10/2010 A Portugal Iceland Euro Qualifier
25/03/2010 A Real Madrid Getafe La Liga
14/03/2010 A Real Madrid Real Valladolid La Liga
21/02/2010 H Real Madrid Villarreal La Liga
08/12/2009 A Real Madrid Marseille Champions League
15/09/2009 A Real Madrid FC Zurich Champions League
15/09/2009 A Real Madrid FC Zurich Champions League
10/05/2009 H Manchester United Manchester City Premier League
05/05/2009 A Manchester United Arsenal Champions League
21/02/2009 H Manchester United Blackburn Premier League
15/11/2008 H Manchester United Stoke City Premier League
15/11/2008 H Manchester United Stoke City Premier League
19/03/2008 H Manchester United Bolton Premier League
30/01/2008 H Manchester United Portsmouth Premier League
12/01/2008 H Manchester United Newcastle Premier League
26/12/2007 A Manchester United Sunderland Premier League
27/11/2007 H Manchester United Sporting CP Champions League
04/11/2006 H Manchester United Portsmouth Premier League
04/02/2006 H Manchester United Fulham Premier League
04/06/2005 H Portugal Slovakia World Cup Qualifier
01/11/2003 H Manchester United Portsmouth Premier League
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Argentina vs Italy: Finalissima Match Preview, Team News, and Predicted Lineups

Argentina vs Italy is the upcoming match in the Finalissima. The European Champions Italy take on South American Champions Argentina.

Jun 1, 2022, 10:10 AM5 min read

Argentina vs Italy: Finalissima Match Preview, Team News, and Predicted Lineups

Argentina vs Italy is the upcoming match in the new tournament, Finalissima. The European Champions Italy take on South American Champions Argentina at the Wembley Stadium in London.

Argentina vs Italy: Messi and Mancini | Sportz Point.
Lionel Messi and Roberto Mancini (Image- Azzuri En)

The revived contest has been organized as a result of a renewed partnership between UEFA and CONMEBOL and pits the winners of the 2020 European Championship against the 2021 Copa America champions.

On their last visit to Wembley, Italy beat England on penalties in the final to win the Euros, though since then they were stunned by North Macedonia as they failed to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

Argentina, meanwhile, secured their Finalissima place by beating fierce rivals Brazil 1-0 last summer to end a 28-year trophy drought.

There will be no extra-time should the match tonight finish level after 90 minutes, meaning it will go straight to penalties if necessary.

Argentina vs Italy: Match Preview:

Italy beat Austria, Belgium and Spain in the knockout rounds of last summer's European Championship before overcoming England on penalties in the final following a 1-1 draw.

The triumph saw the Blues become European champions for just the second time in their history, but they have incredibly now missed out on the finals of the last two World Cups, failing to qualify in 2018 before missing out on the 2022 competition by losing to North Macedonia in the semi-finals of the playoffs back in March.

Roberto Mancini's immediate focus is on Wednesday's affair, but they will also begin their UEFA Nations League campaign on June 4, taking on Germany twice, Hungary and England in quick succession, before returning to action in September with a home fixture against England.

Giorgio Chiellini will make his final Italy appearance against Argentina, with the 37-year-old set to bring a long international career to a close, but Mancini will also be looking to the future, with a number of uncapped players in the squad.

Italy have lost each of their last three matches against Argentina, which have all been friendlies, with their last competitive meeting coming at the 1990 World Cup, when Argentina won 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the semi-finals of the competition.

Argentina, meanwhile, won the Copa America for the first time since 1993 last summer, beating Brazil 1-0 in the final courtesy of a first-half effort from Angel Di Maria.

The White and Sky Blues beat Ecuador and Colombia in the quarter-finals and semi-finals to advance to the final, and they have also qualified for the 2022 World Cup courtesy of an unbeaten qualification campaign.

Argentina were runners-up at the 2014 World Cup but went out in the round of 16 in 2018, and it will be fascinating to see how they perform in this year's competition, with the South American nation bidding to lift the trophy for the third time.

Lionel Scaloni's side have not been in action since drawing 1-1 with Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier at the end of March, while they are unbeaten in all competitions since July 2019, which should hand them confidence heading into Wednesday's affair.

There will be no extra time in the Finalissima, so a penalty shootout will occur if the match is level at the end of 90 minutes, and Argentina won the 1993 edition, then called the Artemio Franchi Cup, by beating Denmark on penalties.

Team News:

Argentina:

 Lionel Messi could be joined in the final third of the field by Lautaro Martinez and Di Maria, while Romero is set to play alongside Otamendi in the middle of the defense.

Alongside Messi (81), Lautaro Martinez (19) and Di Maria (24) are the highest scorers in the squad, but there could be a role at some stage for on-loan Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez.

Brighton & Hove Albion's Mac Allistar is also in the selection, while Nehuen Perez and Senasi will be hoping to be given opportunities to make their first appearances for the national side in London.

Italy:

Chiellini is expected to start on what would be his final appearance for Italy, and it is likely to be a familiar starting side for the Euro 2020 champions.

Domenico Berardi and Andrea Pinamontti are both out through injury, while Federico Chiesa, Ciro Immobile, Gaetano Castrovilli, and Rafael Toloi are also on the sidelines.

Jorginho and Verrati are both expected to start in midfield, while Nicolo Zaniolo and Lorenzo Insigne are set to feature in the final third of the field.

There could also be just a fourth cap, Scamacca who enjoyed a strong season at Sassuolo, while there are 12 players in the squad looking to make their first appearances for Italy, including 18-year-old Wilfried Gnonto.

Argentina vs Italy: Head to Head:

Italy has a slight edge over Argentina and has won six of the 16 matches played between the two teams. Argentina have managed five victories against Italy and will look to level the scales on Wednesday.

The previous meeting between the two footballing giants took place in 2018 and ended in a 2-0 victory for Argentina. Italy was outplayed on the day and will need to take it up a notch this week.

Form Guide:

Italy form guide: W-L-D-D-W

Argentina form guide: D-W-W-W-D

Argentina vs Italy: Predicted Line-ups:

Italy Predicted XI (4-3-3): Gianluigi Donnarumma; Emerson, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Giovanni Di Lorenzo; Jorginho, Marco Verratti, Nicolo Barella; Nicolo Zaniolo, Lorenzo Insigne, Gianluca Scamacca.

Argentina Predicted XI (4-3-3): Emiliano Martinez; Marcos Acuna, German Pezzella, Nicolas Otamendi, Nahuel Molina; Guido Rodriguez, Rodrigo De Paul, Giovani Lo Celso; Angel Di Maria, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez.

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