RIO DE JANEIRO, March 22 (Xinhua) — Euro 2020 champions Italy and Copa America holders Argentina will clash at Wembley stadium in June, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and European football governing body UEFA said on Tuesday.
Dubbed the “Finalissima”, the duel will revive a concept that has been dormant since 1993, when a Diego Maradona-led Argentina beat Denmark on penalties. Tickets for the June 1 fixture will go on sale on March 24.
“Twenty-nine years after its last edition, the relaunch of this legendary footballing encounter is the result of the long-standing partnership between UEFA and CONMEBOL and will serve as a catalyst for the global development of football – uniting countries, continents, and cultures, while also demonstrating to fans around the globe that football can be a force of good in turbulent times,” UEFA said in a statement.
The announcement follows months of talks between CONMEBOL and UEFA officials in an effort to strengthen ties and increase cooperation between two regions that have traditionally dominated world football.
The discussions have also reportedly included a proposal to allow Brazil and Argentina to feature in an expanded Nations League tournament with European teams.
