Paris Saint-Germain will face Inter Milan in the upcoming Champions League final. The match is scheduled for Saturday at the Allianz Arena in Munich. Inter, also known as the Nerazzurri, are appearing in their second European final in consecutive years, having lost the 2023 Champions League final 1-0 to Manchester City. They are aiming for their fourth Champions League title, which would be their first since 2010 when managed by Jose Mourinho. PSG, conversely, have yet to win the competition, having been defeated in the 2020 final by Bayern Munich. Both coaches, Luis Enrique for PSG and Simone Inzaghi for Inter, have indicated some uncertainties regarding their starting elevens for the highly anticipated fixture.
Inter Milan is expected to field their strongest possible team. Yann Sommer is set to start in goal, supported by a back three featuring Alessandro Bastoni, Francesco Acerbi, and significantly, Benjamin Pavard. Pavard`s return to the squad this week makes him a likely starter, while Yann Bisseck is anticipated to be among the substitutes. The midfield is expected to comprise Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Henrik Mkhitaryan, with Federico Dimarco and Denzel Dumfries operating as wing-backs. As usual, the attack will be spearheaded by Inter captain Lautaro Martinez alongside Marcus Thuram.
Paris Saint-Germain faces only one primary selection dilemma leading up to the final. Their Italian goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, will be positioned behind the defense, playing against several of his national teammates in the Inter squad. The defense is predicted to include former Inter player Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes on the flanks, partnering with William Pacho and team captain Marquinhos in the center. The midfield is likely to be composed of Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz. In the forward line, Ousmane Dembele and former Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are expected starters. The main uncertainty for PSG coach Luis Enrique concerns the third attacking spot, with Desire Doue potentially starting ahead of Bradley Barcola.
Predicted Lineups
PSG XI: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, William Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Inter XI: Yann Sommer; Benjamin Pavard, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni; Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrix Mkhitaryan, Federico Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram.
