With Qatar 2022 still a few months away, Argentina will face a huge test today, June 1, when they take on Italy at Wembley Stadium. For the first time in nearly 30 years, the Copa America champions will take on the European Championship winners for an intercontinental trophy.
Lionel Scaloni‘s men head into this game in high spirits. Not only they have won a long-awaited continental title in 2021, but they also made their way to the next FIFA World Cup in great fashion. The Azzurra, on the other hand, suffered a huge blow by missing out on a ticket to Qatar.
On top of that, Roberto Mancini’s side will not be at full strength for this game. In addition to the absences of Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Insigne, and Federico Chiesa, the Italians will also miss Marco Verratti.
Why is Marco Verratti not playing for Italy vs. Argentina in the Finalissima?
The PSG star is the latest casualty for the CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions. Before him, Mancini already knew he would miss three out of the 11 players who started in the Euro 2020 final.
Argentine journalistVeronica Brunati reportedduring the week that Marco Verratti was injured and therefore couldn’t train with the rest of his teammates ahead of the Finalissima. Therefore, he will watch the game from the sidelines.
Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Managing Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of multiple sports, including NFL and soccer, with a specialty in original content and real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Managing Editor since May 2025, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis with interviews and exclusive content.
