Biometric identification systems are defined as systems exploiting automated methods of personal recognition based on physiological or behavioural characteristics. Among these, fingerprints are very reliable biometric identifiers. Trying to fasten the image processing step makes the recognition process more efficient, especially concerning embedded systems for real-time authentication. In this paper we propose an FPGA-based architecture that efficiently implements the high computationally demanding core of a matching algorithm based on phase-only spatial correlation. Moreover, we show how it is possible to use COTS components to embed an entire AFIS on chip and so reducing cost, space and energy used.