Italy take on Argentina in the Finalissima at Wembley stadium

When Italy take on Argentina on Wednesday, the two teams will be competing for the CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions trophy, which has undergone some significant changes since it was first introduced almost 40 years ago.

Weighing around 8.5kg and being 45cm in height, the trophy is made out of brass and coated in silver plating. The majority of the trophy maintains its original feel, from when it was originally made ahead of the first edition in 1985, which saw France play Uruguay in Paris.

UEFA via Getty Images

However, the piece of silverware now has a new base, including a dark grey nickel-plating finish, which helps to modernise a classic trophy, while not altering its original feel. The design of the revamped trophy was undertaken by Valentina Losa.

The participants

The showdown at Wembley stadium was agreed after UEFA and CONMEBOL signed a renewed and extended Memorandum of Understanding on 15 December 2021.

UEFA EURO 2020 winners Italy will take on Copa América victors Argentina. Italy booked their place by claiming the European crown last summer, defeating England on penalties in the Wembley final for their second continental title.

Argentina ended a 28-year wait for a trophy by winning the 2021 Copa América, beating Brazil 1-0 in the decider to clinch a record-equalling 15th Copa América title.

This will be the third time the EURO holders have met their South American counterparts in a match organised by UEFA and CONMEBOL. In 1985, France defeated Uruguay 2-0 in Paris, and eight years later Argentina edged out Denmark on penalties on home turf at Mar del Plata.