As the champions of Europe prepare to take on the champions of South America, a mouthwatering football spectacle is expected to take place at Wembley in only the third edition of the CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions after it was previously held in 1985 and 1993.
The last time Italy faced Argentina was in 2018 – an international friendly that went 2-0 in favor of the Albiceleste, and Azzurri winger Federico Bernardeschi believes the occasion will be special considering the history of the two national teams.
Speaking to the FIGC Twitch Channel ahead of Wednesday night’s highly-anticipated Finalissima, the soon-to-be free agent shared his thoughts on the encounter.
“We are playing against a strong national team with a history like Argentina, Also, we are at Wembley and there is a trophy up for grabs: it can’t get better than that. It will be a great match between two great teams full of champions. It will be really nice to live this,” he exclaimed. (via MilanNews)
The forward then went on to praise his longtime Juventus teammate and legend Giorgio Chiellini, who will be appearing in the Italian blue for one last time after what would be his 117th international appearance.
Commenting on Chiellini, he said: “For what he has transmitted and given to this shirt, as well as to the Juve shirt, he is unique. He has transmitted a mentality, a sense of sacrifice and work. We have all learned a lot from him, both on a human and professional level. When I close my eyes and see him raise the cup at Wembley is one of the images that I will carry with me for my whole life. I will miss seeing him cheer as if he had scored after saving a goal in the box.”
Italy missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after failing to usurp North Macedonia in the play-off stages. Bernardeschi believes that despite the disappointment being great, Italy can move forward to rebuild something extraordinary.
“The Italian soul that has always distinguished us in history comes out, we have to start from this. Now the disappointment is great, we immediately have to rebound. In difficult moments we know how to get up, roll up our sleeves and move forward to rebuild something extraordinary,” he concluded.
The Finalissima will be held after UEFA and CONMEBOL signed a memorandum of renewed partnership between the two confederations.