In the clash between Copa America winners and European champions, Argentina beat Italy 3-0 to win the Finalissima for the second time. For Italy’s Chiellini, the national team career ends with a defeat.
European champion Chiellini would have liked to say goodbye with a title in his 117th and last international match and thus end his great national team career in a fitting manner – but it was not to be. After just 45 minutes, it was clear that Copa America winners Argentina had not come to London to stand on ceremony.
On the contrary, the Albiceleste got off to the better start and pushed the tempo early on, with the attacking three of Messi, di Maria and Lautaro Martinez in particular showing great enthusiasm for the game – and were also responsible for the 2-0 interval score.
Messi, di Maria and Lautaro Martinez striking
Lautaro Martinez took the lead from close range (28th) after Messi’s fine work. The Inter Milan striker then set up the 2:0 immediately before the break. First he made Bonucci look old on the halfway line, then Chiellini could not follow the pass to di Maria – and Donnarumma could only look behind the dipping shot (45.+1).
After a good quarter of an hour, Italy had actually freed themselves from the initial pressure and found their own way forward. But either the last pass was missing, Romero was a defender in the way (19th) or keeper Martinez was careful, as with Belotti’s header (21st) and Barella’s touchdown from distance (30th).
Chiellini stays in the dressing room
Chiellini, who had previously worn the captain’s armband, did not return to the field for the second half, but the game changed little. Italy continued to lack attacking power, while Argentina remained more determined and, above all, more aggressive in the decisive duels.
Dybala scores the final goal
The Albiceleste were not only extremely compact defensively, but also had the better chances. Di Maria (60., 62.) and Messi (65., 69.) tested Donnarumma twice – Lo Celso even hit the outer net (64.). The absence of Immobile (ankle injury) became more and more noticeable for the Squadra Azzurra, almost nothing went forward. Only two harmless attempts by Jorginho and Locatelli (59.).
In the final phase, Argentina slowed down again, but substitute Dybala scored with a low shot to make it 3-0 (90.+4). This was the second time since 1993 that Argentina had won the intercontinental comparison and also ensured defeat in Chiellini’s last game in the Italian national team shirt.