zaro

What is Finalissima?

Published in International Football Competition 3 mins read

The Finalissima is an intercontinental football supercup match organized by UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) and CONMEBOL (South American Football Confederation). It pits the reigning champions of Europe (UEFA European Championship winner) against the reigning champions of South America (CONMEbol Copa América winner). Organised as an occasional one-off match, it is a national team equivalent to the defunct Intercontinental Cup, which famously brought together the club champions of Europe and South America.

The CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions

Officially known as the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions, Finalissima serves as a testament to the renewed and strengthened partnership between the two dominant football confederations. It provides a unique opportunity for the champions of the two most successful continents in international football to compete directly, offering fans a rare and exciting clash of styles and talent.

Participating Teams and Confederations

The contenders for the Finalissima are strictly defined:

  • Winner of the UEFA European Championship (Euro): This team represents the pinnacle of European national team football.
  • Winner of the CONMEBOL Copa América: This team is the reigning champion of South American national team football, the oldest international football competition.

The match is a joint venture, meticulously planned and executed by both UEFA and CONMEBOL, ensuring high standards of competition and organization.

Historical Context and Revival

While the Finalissima gained prominence with its recent revival, it is not an entirely new concept. It is a modern iteration of the Artemio Franchi Cup, which was contested only twice in history:

Year Winner Score Runner-up Host Country
1985 France 2–0 Uruguay France
1993 Argentina 1–1 (5–4 p) Denmark Argentina

The revival of this intercontinental clash under the Finalissima banner signifies a renewed commitment to promoting competitive matches between top national teams from different continents, beyond the scope of the FIFA World Cup.

Notable Editions and Significance

The modern Finalissima was inaugurated in 2022, marking a significant milestone in inter-confederation cooperation.

  • 2022 Finalissima: Argentina vs. Italy
    • Venue: Wembley Stadium, London, England
    • Teams: Argentina (Copa América 2021 winners) vs. Italy (UEFA Euro 2020 winners)
    • Result: Argentina won 3–0, showcasing a dominant performance.

This specific match highlighted the event's potential to deliver high-quality football and immense spectator interest. The significance of Finalissima extends beyond just a single match; it fosters:

  • Global Reach: It allows fans to see top continental champions compete, broadening football's global appeal.
  • Inter-Confederation Collaboration: It strengthens ties between UEFA and CONMEBOL, potentially paving the way for future joint initiatives.
  • Prestige: Winning the Finalissima adds another significant trophy to a nation's cabinet, solidifying its status as a continental and intercontinental powerhouse.

Future of Finalissima

As an occasional one-off match, the Finalissima's future editions are subject to agreement between UEFA and CONMEBOL. Its success, particularly the high attendance and viewership of the 2022 edition, suggests a strong possibility of it becoming a more regular fixture in the international football calendar, continuing to celebrate the best of European and South American football.