Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan are scheduled to face off in the Champions League final at the Allianz Arena in Munich. This will be Inter`s second appearance in a major European final recently, following their 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the 2023 Champions League final. The Nerazzurri are vying for their fourth Champions League title, aiming for their first since their win in 2010 under Jose Mourinho. In contrast, PSG is still seeking their maiden Champions League trophy, having lost their only previous final appearance to Bayern Munich in 2020. Both managers, Luis Enrique for PSG and Simone Inzaghi for Inter, have acknowledged uncertainty regarding certain starting positions ahead of the crucial match, as discussed in their pre-game press conferences.
Inter is anticipated to field their strongest available squad. Yann Sommer is expected to be in goal. The defense will likely feature a back three consisting of Alessandro Bastoni, Francesco Acerbi, and significantly, Benjamin Pavard. Pavard recently returned to the squad and is the favorite to start, potentially ahead of German defender Yann Bisseck who is expected to be on the bench. The rest of the team is largely as expected, with Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan anchoring the midfield. Federico Dimarco and Denzel Dumfries are set to operate as wing-backs. The attack will be spearheaded by Inter captain Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram, maintaining their usual partnership.
For PSG, the main selection headache for manager Luis Enrique appears to be in the attacking third. Italian international Gianluigi Donnarumma will start in goal, facing several of his national teammates playing for Inter. The defensive line is predicted to include Achraf Hakimi, captain Marquinhos, William Pacho, and Nuno Mendes. The midfield trio is expected to be Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz. Further forward, Ousmane Dembele and former Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are probable starters. The final attacking position is the primary doubt, with Desire Doue currently tipped to get the nod over Bradley Barcola.
Possible Starting Elevens
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.
