Inter Milan is scheduled to meet Paris Saint-Germain on May 31st at the Allianz Arena in Munich for the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League final, widely anticipated as the season`s most significant fixture. Inter is aiming to secure its fourth Champions League title, having previously triumphed in 1964, 1965, and achieving a historic treble under Jose Mourinho in 2010. Their path back to the final after 2010 saw only one previous appearance, two years prior in 2023, when Simone Inzaghi`s squad narrowly lost to Manchester City in Istanbul due to a goal from Rodri. Fast forward two years, Inter finds itself back in the final, this time facing Luis Enrique`s PSG. This marks only PSG`s second appearance in a Champions League final, their first ending in defeat to Bayern Munich in 2020. The French giants are still pursuing their inaugural Champions League trophy. Let`s now examine Inter`s potential and the factors that could lead them to victory:
Match Details & Odds
- Date: May 31
- Location: Allianz Arena — Munich, Germany
- Odds: Paris Saint-Germain +105; Draw +240; Inter +270
Preferred Inter Lineup
Ideal Inter XI: Yann Sommer; Benjamin Pavard, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni; Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrix Mkhitaryan, Federico Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram
Inter`s Strengths
- Highly experienced squad, with many players having featured in the 2023 final.
- The potential culmination of an era for some key players, offering intense motivation.
- Proven ability to overcome formidable opponents like Bayern Munich and Barcelona on their journey to the final.
Inter`s Weaknesses
- Limited depth across the squad.
- Absence of an individual player consistently capable of winning games single-handedly without strong team support.
- Conceded five goals in the competition prior to the semifinal stage.
Why Inter Will Win the Champions League
1. Enhanced European Experience
Inter approaches the 2025 Champions League final with greater composure and European experience compared to their 2023 appearance. Their campaign saw them secure a top-eight position in the league phase before progressing past Feyenoord and Bayern Munich, and ultimately defeating Barcelona in the semifinals. While the 2023 final felt like an extraordinary achievement just to reach, this time Inter exhibits more confidence, a result of consistent development under Simone Inzaghi since his arrival in 2021.
2. Lautaro Martinez in Peak Form
Inter`s captain, Lautaro Martinez, has established himself as one of the world`s premier strikers this season. He has significantly developed since the 2023 final, becoming the indisputable focal point and leader of the team. The Argentine, often described as the heart of the Nerazzurri, demonstrated immense dedication by recovering from a muscular injury sustained in Barcelona to participate in the crucial second leg at San Siro, highlighting his deep desire to lift the Champions League trophy. Having already claimed the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles with Argentina, the Champions League remains Lautaro`s ultimate club ambition.
3. The Potential `Last Dance`
This 2025 final could represent the end of an era for the current Inter squad, potentially ushering in a new phase with a younger roster as suggested by the new American ownership, Oaktree. Unlike the decline that followed Jose Mourinho`s treble-winning team in 2010, the upcoming structural changes are aimed at sustaining Inter`s competitive status, led by figures like Lautaro Martinez and Simone Inzaghi. However, securing the Champions League trophy in this final would be an unparalleled and unforgettable achievement for the current generation.
Benedict Kingsley