Inter’s Last-Chance Bid for Champions League Success

TDT | Manama 

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Inter Milan face Paris Saint-Germain in Saturday’s Champions League final in Munich, a make-or-break moment for Simone Inzaghi’s battle-hardened side. After a season of crushed domestic dreams, this clash feels like a last-chance saloon for Inter’s veteran stars to claim Europe’s biggest prize.

Domestic Disappointment Fuels Redemption

Inter’s campaign began with treble hopes, dazzling in Europe, reaching the Coppa Italia semi-finals, and mounting a Serie A comeback. But April’s collapse—a 3-0 cup loss to AC Milan and league defeats—handed Napoli the Scudetto on the final day. “There’s a lot of suffering,” Inzaghi admitted, still raw from Friday’s title loss. The sting of their 2023 Champions League final defeat to Manchester City lingers, especially for veterans like 37-year-old Francesco Acerbi, making this final a shot at redemption.

Defensive Steel and European Drama

Inter’s European journey has been a masterclass in resilience. They topped the Champions League league phase, conceding just one goal in eight games, echoing last season’s stingy defence (22 goals in 38 Serie A matches). The knockout rounds brought flair and drama, culminating in a thrilling 7-6 semi-final win over Barcelona, sealed by Acerbi’s stoppage-time equaliser and Davide Frattesi’s extra-time winner. This grit defines Inzaghi’s side, who now face a youthful PSG.

Veteran Experience as the Edge

Unlike PSG’s vibrant squad, Inter boast a seasoned core. Yann Sommer, Matteo Darmian, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and others over 30 bring nous and hunger to banish past failures. Inzaghi is banking on their experience to outsmart PSG’s high-pressing style. “We want to put recent failings behind us,” he said, eyeing a repeat of Inter’s 2010 triumph under Jose Mourinho.

A Defining Moment

Saturday’s final is a chance to heal Inter’s old wounds and crown a turbulent season. With PSG’s attacking flair a threat, Inter’s defensive resolve and veteran savvy could tip the scales. For Inzaghi and his elder statesmen, it’s now or never to claim Champions League immortality.