Inter Milan is set to clash with Paris Saint-Germain in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League final on May 31st at the Allianz Arena in Munich. This match is widely anticipated as the highlight of the season. Inter aims for their fourth European Cup title, having previously triumphed in 1964, 1965, and notably in 2010 under José Mourinho, a season where they also secured a historic treble. Their only final appearance since 2010 was in 2023, when Simone Inzaghi`s side was defeated by Manchester City in Istanbul, with Rodri scoring the decisive goal. Now, two years later, Inter returns to the final stage to face Luis Enrique`s PSG. This is PSG`s second appearance in a Champions League final, their first being a loss to Bayern Munich in 2020. The French club is still seeking its inaugural Champions League title. Let`s delve into why Inter is positioned to win this final.
Champions League Final Details & Odds
- 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
Ideal Inter Lineup
Preferred 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
- Experienced squad, many of whom featured in the 2023 final.
- Potentially the culmination of a cycle, offering a final opportunity for some key players to win this trophy.
- Proven ability to overcome strong opponents in the knockout rounds, having progressed past teams like Feyenoord, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona.
Inter`s Weaknesses
- Lack of significant squad depth.
- No single player capable of individually changing the game`s outcome without strong team support.
- Vulnerability in defense shown by conceding six goals across two semifinal legs against Barcelona, after a more solid record earlier in the campaign.
Arguments for an Inter Victory
1. Increased European Experience
Inter enters the 2025 final with significantly greater European experience and a different mindset compared to their 2023 appearance. Having successfully navigated the new league phase with a top-eight finish and then progressed through tough knockout ties against Feyenoord, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona, the team has demonstrated its pedigree. The run to the 2023 final against Manchester City felt somewhat unexpected, but the current team`s confidence stems from 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, showing remarkable improvement since the 2023 final. He is now the undisputed focal point and emotional core of the team. Demonstrating immense determination, the Argentine forward made a swift recovery from a muscular injury sustained against Barcelona to feature in the critical return leg at San Siro, highlighting his deep desire to win the Champions League. With a FIFA World Cup (2022) and two Copa America titles (2021, 2024) already to his name with Argentina, the Champions League represents the next major trophy Lautaro is aiming for.
3. A Potential `Last Dance`
The 2025 final could represent the culmination of an era for the current Inter squad, potentially preceding a transition to a younger team as indicated by the Oaktree ownership. Unlike the squad dismantling that followed José Mourinho`s treble win in 2010, this anticipated evolution is aimed at maintaining Inter`s competitive standing, with key figures like Lautaro Martinez and coach Simone Inzaghi expected to lead the way. However, securing the Champions League trophy now would be an monumental and historic achievement for this specific group of players.
