Veteran Italian side looks to complete underdog story against Qatari-backed favorites in Munich showdown
Inter Milan may not be the favorites when they face Paris Saint-Germain in Saturday’s Champions League final, but their remarkable journey to Munich has proven that experience and resilience can still challenge Europe’s elite.
Two years after a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Manchester City in Istanbul, Simone Inzaghi’s battle-hardened squad has another shot at glory—this time against Qatari-backed PSG, a club built on financial firepower.
“The club, and above all the players, know we’re missing that final step to make history,” Inzaghi told reporters, reflecting on the 2023 final as a missed opportunity. “We’ve grown since then, but we also know PSG’s quality—they have World Cup winners and a coach who’s lifted this trophy before.”
A Season of Highs and Heartbreak
Inter’s path to the final has been anything but easy. They stunned pre-tournament favorites Bayern Munich and Barcelona, proving that their veteran core—with an average starting XI age over 30—can outthink and outfight younger, faster opponents.
Yet the season has taken its toll. A grueling Serie A title race, which slipped away after three crushing defeats in a week, left the Champions League as their last hope for silverware.
“There was a lot of suffering,” admitted Inzaghi. “But the boys have been brilliant—59 matches, endless effort. We never prioritized one competition over another; we gave everything.”
Experience vs. Wealth
While PSG can spend €70 million on rising stars like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Inter have relied on shrewd, low-cost signings. Goalkeeper Yann Sommer (36), cancer survivor Francesco Acerbi (37), and Henrikh Mkhitaryan (36) embody the team’s grit—proving that heart can outweigh financial muscle.
“We’ve shown courage in every match,” said Sommer. “Many of us were here in 2023. That pain drives us now.”
As the underdogs prepare for their biggest test yet, one thing is clear: Inter Milan may be older, wiser, and financially outgunned—but they refuse to be counted out.
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