Inter Milan may not enter Saturday’s Champions League final as favourites, but their journey to Munich has proven they are still a force to be reckoned with. Under the guidance of Simone Inzaghi, the Italian side has defied expectations with a determined and experienced squad that held its own against some of Europe’s most elite teams.
Their route to the final included intense battles against Bayern Munich and a dramatic semifinal against Barcelona, showcasing Inter’s resilience and tactical discipline despite the advancing age of their key players. With an average starting age just over 30, veterans like Yann Sommer, Francesco Acerbi, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan have emerged as pillars of strength.
This final presents more than just a chance for a trophy—it’s an opportunity for redemption. Inter came painfully close to glory in 2023, narrowly losing to Manchester City in Istanbul. Inzaghi admitted that loss was a missed chance, especially considering Inter’s performance on the night rivaled that of their wealthier opponents.
Facing another financial powerhouse in PSG, Inter have the chance to banish those memories and write a new chapter. Inzaghi emphasized the value of experience from their last final but also acknowledged the quality PSG brings, with World Cup winners and a coach who has already lifted the Champions League.
Inter's ambitions of claiming multiple trophies this season hit a wall in recent weeks, as their push for the Serie A title and Italian Cup came undone. A trio of consecutive defeats derailed their domestic campaign, handing Napoli the league advantage and eliminating them from the cup.
Yet, Inzaghi praised his players' commitment across a gruelling 59-match season, insisting they left everything on the pitch. The mental and physical toll on the aging squad has been evident, but their semifinal victory over Barcelona was a testament to their enduring resolve and hunger for continental success.
Despite financial constraints and a recent ownership change, Inter have managed to stay competitive. Unlike PSG, who can afford high-profile signings like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Inter have relied on smart acquisitions and internal cohesion.
Sommer, signed for under €7 million, has become a key figure in this campaign, joined by fellow recent additions Marcus Thuram and Benjamin Pavard. Most of Inter’s core played in the 2023 final, bringing valuable experience into this rematch with destiny. As Sommer put it, their unity and courage throughout the campaign are what have carried them back to the biggest stage in European club football.
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