Italy manager, Roberto Mancini, has sent a message to former Argentina striker, Sergio Aguero, ahead of both sides’ 2022 Finalissima tie on Wednesday night at Wembley.

The Finalissima is simply a clash between the champions of Europe against their South American counterparts, in a showdown agreed after UEFA and CONMEBOL signed a renewed and extended Memorandum of Understanding on December 15, 2021.

Mancini said he wished Aguero, who he coached during their time at Manchester City, all the best in the future.

He said he feels sad that Aguero was forced to retire from football at a young age and wants to give him a "huge hug".

Speaking during his pre-match press conference ahead of Argentina’s clash with Italy, Mancini was quoted by Sky Sports as saying: “I want to send Sergio Aguero a huge hug." I was managing [Manchester] City ten years ago when he arrived, so I know him very well.

“I am sad about what happened to him. It is a shame that someone so young has to retire. Because to me, he has been one of the best strikers in the world for the last 15 years.

“I want to send him a huge hug and wish him a beautiful life in the future.”