Inter Milan is set to meet Paris Saint-Germain on May 31st at the Allianz Arena in Munich for the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League final, a match widely anticipated as the season`s highlight. Inter aims for their fourth Champions League title, having previously lifted the trophy in 1964, 1965, and most recently in 2010 under Jose Mourinho, a season where they also achieved a historic treble. Their only final appearance since 2010 was in 2023, where Simone Inzaghi`s side was defeated by Manchester City in Istanbul. Now, two years later, Inter returns to the final to face Luis Enrique`s PSG. This will be PSG`s second appearance in the Champions League final, following their loss to Bayern Munich in 2020; the French club is still seeking its first ever Champions League triumph. Let`s examine Inter`s prospects and the reasons they could emerge victorious.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, May 31
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Allianz Arena — Munich, Germany
- TV: CBS
- Live Stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Paris Saint-Germain +105; Draw +240; Inter +270
Predicted Inter Starting Lineup
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
- Experienced squad, with many players having featured in the 2023 final.
- Potential “last dance” for key players, providing extra motivation.
- Proven ability to overcome strong European opponents on their way to the final.
Inter`s Weaknesses
- Limited squad depth.
- Lack of a single player capable of winning the game entirely on their own.
- Concerns about defensive consistency, particularly highlighted in later knockout rounds.
Reasons Inter Could Win the Champions League
1. Enhanced European Experience
Inter approaches the 2025 Champions League final with greater European experience and a different mindset compared to their 2023 appearance. Their journey this season, securing a strong league phase position and navigating challenging knockout ties against strong opponents like Bayern Munich and Barcelona, demonstrates increased confidence and maturity. This stands in contrast to the 2023 final, which felt more like an unexpected bonus. The team`s consistent development under Simone Inzaghi since 2021 has built a solid foundation.
2. Lautaro Martinez at His Peak
Inter`s captain, Lautaro Martinez, has established himself as one of the world`s premier strikers this season. Significantly improved since the 2023 final, he is now the undisputed focal point and `heartbeat` of the team. His determination was evident in his quick recovery from a muscular injury to participate in the crucial semi-final second leg. Having already achieved success on the international stage by winning the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles with Argentina, the Champions League remains the significant club trophy missing from Lautaro`s collection, providing immense motivation.
3. A Potential Culmination for the Current Squad
This 2025 final could represent a potential “last dance” for the current core of Inter`s squad, as speculation suggests the American ownership group, Oaktree, may usher in a new era with a younger roster in the coming years. Unlike the period of decline that followed Jose Mourinho`s treble in 2010, any upcoming changes are expected to be managed to maintain Inter`s competitive status, with figures like Lautaro Martinez and Simone Inzaghi likely remaining central. Nevertheless, winning the Champions League final would serve as an unforgettable achievement, capping this period of the club`s history with ultimate glory.
