Argentina beat Italy 3-0 on Wednesday at Wembley in the ‘Finalissima’ between the European and South American champions.
The Argentinians took the lead thanks to goals from Lautaro Martinez, forgotten in the six meters (28th), and Paulo Dybala, perfectly served by Leo Messi, and Angel di Maria.
Messi, unleashed and author of two assists, sowed discord in the Italian defense where veteran Giorgio Chiellini, 37, remained in the locker room at halftime, after honoring his 117th and last international selection.
Argentina won for the second time – in three editions – this intercontinental trophy after its success in 1993 against Denmark (1-1 after, 5 shots on goal to 4). France had won the first edition in 1985 against Uruguay (2-0).
No rest for Donnarumma
Lionel Scaloni’s team, undefeated for 32 consecutive matches, has been full of confidence less than six months before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar (November 21-December 18) where it will meet Saudi Arabia, Mexico in the first round. and Poland.
But on the Italian side, Roberto Mancini’s players have never been dangerous, running after the ball but without ideas. So Gianluigi Donnarumma was reduced to doing what he could in the second half to prevent Argentina from scoring two or three more goals.
The doorman, best player of the Euro last summer, even avoided a goal-gag by stopping just in front of his line a failed back pass from Bonucci (56th). He finally lost again, for 3-0, only in additional time on a strike from the returning Paulo Dybala (90th + 4).
After this gala evening, the coach who remained in charge despite the Macedonian fiasco will launch a new reconstruction from Saturday against Germany, in Bologna, in the League of Nations. Without Chiellini, but with capital question marks.