Italy vs Argentina Predictions

• Argentina are unbeaten in 31 games since losing a 2019 Copa America semi-final loss to Brazil. One more match without defeat would make this the Albiceleste’s best-ever such run.
• Italy, meanwhile, have only won three of their last 11 games in 90 minutes.
• Robert Mancini’s team have won just one of their last four matches, failing to beat Switzerland, Northern Ireland, and North Macedonia.
• The Azzurri have not beaten Argentina since 1987.

Albiceleste approach Finalissima in excellent form

2021 Copa America champions Argentina approach Wednesday’s ‘Finalissima’ against Euro 2020 winners Italy looking to beat their long-standing record unbeaten run, bidding to go one better than the team’s 31 games without loss between 1991 and 1993. While Italy have something to prove after failing to reach the World Cup, Lionel Messi and company are undoubtedly the form outfit.

Argentina’s last defeat was in 2019 to Brazil, since which they’ve earned two wins and a draw against their old rivals, who currently top the FIFA rankings and are the best side Argentina have faced of late. Lionel Scaloni’s men still rely on Messi’s creativity, but the PSG forward has just five goals in his last 11 caps as the likes of Lautaro Martinez have stepped up to hit the goal trail, and their solidity should certainly serve them well on the big occasion; Argentina have kept eight clean sheets in their last 10, conceding just twice.

Italy approach this contest with just one win in their last four, failing to beat Switzerland, Northern Ireland, and North Macedonia during a calamitous end to their qualification campaign. While Roberto Mancini is set to go strong, the match will also mark the swansong of defender Giorgio Chiellini, and the Azzurri have four incredibly tough Nations League games to come in June. Since Mancini took charge, meanwhile, Italy have won just three of their 11 games against current top-10 FIFA-ranked sides.

Azzurri set for more disappointment?

Argentina have long held something of a hoodoo over Italy, winning each of the last four head-to-head meetings and going unbeaten through the most recent five, with the Azzurri last beating the Argentines in June 1987.

While recent meetings have been few and far between and should not be used to gauge the teams’ current strength, Argentina’s fine recent form and Italy’s harrowing 2022 to date means Scaloni’s men are favourites.

We’re backing the solid Argentines for a Wembley win, while a 1-0 success looks a decent correct score prediction, with Italy failing to score on two of their last three competitive outings.