Inter and PSG are set to clash in the highly anticipated 2024-25 UEFA Champions League final at the Allianz Arena in Munich on May 31. Inter is vying for their fourth Champions League title, having previously triumphed in 1964, 1965, and under José Mourinho in 2010, the year they also completed a historic treble. Their only final appearance since then was in 2023, where Simone Inzaghi`s side fell to Manchester City in Istanbul. Now, two years on, Inter returns to the final stage to face Luis Enrique`s PSG. This will be PSG`s second Champions League final, their first ending in defeat to Bayern Munich in 2020. The French club is still searching for its inaugural Champions League crown. Let`s delve into why Inter is poised to win this year.
How to watch the Champions League final, odds
- Date: Saturday, May 31
- Location: Allianz Arena — Munich, Germany
- TV: CBS
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Paris Saint-Germain +105; Draw +240; Inter +270
Preferred Inter lineup
Ideal Inter 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
- Seasoned roster with experience from the 2023 final.
- This campaign could be the last opportunity for some key players to win the trophy, signaling the end of a cycle.
- Eliminated strong teams like Bayern Munich and Barcelona in challenging two-legged ties, demonstrating their ability to overcome top opposition.
Inter`s weaknesses
- Squad depth is limited.
- Lacks a single superstar capable of winning games single-handedly; relies on team effort.
- While conceding only five goals before the semifinals, they let in six against Barcelona over two legs.
Why Inter will win the Champions League
1. The increased European experience
Inter approaches the 2025 final with greater confidence and European experience compared to 2023. They finished among the top eight in the league phase and overcame strong opponents like Feyenoord, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona in the knockout rounds. The 2023 final appearance against Manchester City felt like an improbable journey, but Inter`s current confidence stems from consistent progress under Simone Inzaghi since 2021.
2. Lautaro Martinez in his prime
Lautaro Martinez has emerged as a world-class striker this season and is significantly more influential than in the 2023 final, now serving as team captain. The Argentine forward, central to Inter`s attack, showed immense determination by recovering from a muscle injury suffered in Barcelona to play in the crucial San Siro second leg, highlighting his strong desire for Champions League success. Having already lifted the World Cup (2022) and two Copa America titles (2021, 2024) with Argentina, the Champions League represents Lautaro`s next major target.
3. The last dance
The 2025 final could potentially mark the culmination for the current Inter squad before a new era begins, as suggested by American owners Oaktree, potentially involving a younger roster. Unlike the downturn after the 2010 treble, the planned evolution aims for sustained success, spearheaded by figures like Lautaro Martinez and coach Simone Inzaghi. Winning the Champions League final now would be an unforgettable capstone to this team`s journey.
Dominic Ashworth