Inter seem to be an overwhelming second favourite for tomorrow nights Champions League Final in Munich. This despite dumping out Bayern Munich and a rather spectacular punchers victory over Barcelona in the Semi Final. The British Media are unashamedly pre-crowning PSG for the first time with Europe’s greatest prize.
So can Inter actually pull it off? Well, anyone who’s watched anything in Serie A this season will have a definite opinion: “maybe they can?” Inter have been consistently inconsistent. An absolute schellacking of Lazio 6-0 at Olimpico in December was hot on the heels of defeats in Leverkusen and Florence.
Unconvincing results against Milan and Fiorentina in January was followed up with a disappointing defeat to Juventus and when Napoli stumbled in May, Inter tripped over their own feet to throw away a victory against Lazio and with it, the scudetto.
But there was always a sense in these final months of the season that Inzaghi’s eyes were on a much bigger prize, one he never got his hands on as a player and one he let slip away two years ago as a coach. Inter’s rotation was heavy in the final weeks of the season because tiredness was clearly affecting this ageing squad.
Which brings us to tomorrow night in Munich, and after scoring 7 in two matches against the probable “best team in Europe”, Inter have a chance to make history and become European champions for a fourth time. To do it, they’ll need some key players to come big for them – and I’ve picked out three who will be key to bringing “old big ears” back across the Alps to Milano.
Lautaro Martinez – The Relentless Captain
Lauti – or El Toro – has hit an impressive 9 goals in this seasons tournament and the captain is likely to be fit to start tomorrow. He’ll almost certainly be partnered with Marcus Thuram, one of the most fearsome duos in Europe.
Martinez hit his 150th Inter goal against Bayern Munich and became their all time top European scorer, overtaking the great Sandro Mazzola. He’s their all time top foreign scorer and 5th all time scorer.
Il Capitano has a habit of flying under the radar when it comes to recognition across Europe, but the World Cup and Copa America winner will have the keen attention of the PSG defence tomorrow evening.
Davide Frattesi – The Midfield Dynamo
It’s almost guaranteed that Frattesi won’t start this game of football, Inzaghi is known to prefer his three of Calhanoglu, Barella and Mkhitaryan. However, you only have to glance at his scoring record from the bench to realise that he doesn’t just contribute – he scores HUGE goals.
Last season in March, Inter were faltering in their scudetto pursuit away at Udinese. 1-1 with seconds left on the clock when Lautaro hit the post, everyone on the pitch was watching except for Frattesi who followed in and smashed home the winner – exactly as he had done in the 2-1 home victory against Hellas Verona in January that year.
Then there’s the winner at tomorrow’s final venue earlier in the tournament against Bayern and the extra time winner against Barcelona. In fact, 5 of his 14 Inter goals have been scored on or after the 88th minute. If the game is tight in the second half, Inzaghi will 100% turn to this bundle of energy to tip the tie in Inter’s favour.
Francesco Acerbi – The Defensive Pillar
While all those around you are losing their heads, keep yours. In the San Siro on May 6th 2025 that’s exactly what Acerbi did. He bid a fond farewell to defensive partner Darmian and head off up to the attacking positions. The man that had overcome depression, alcoholism, the death of his father and testicular cancer (twice) has very little to be afraid of and incurring Inzaghi’s wrath for abandoning his post is one of them.
Sure enough, in the 93rd minute, the boyhood Inter fan smashed a Dumfries cross high into the net and the rest is history. He’s not only a great makeshift attacker though, Acerbi is a downright pain in the backside to play against. A master of the Italian art of defending, the 38 year old will have to pull out all the stops against a much younger, quicker and fitter PSG forward line. But you don’t get where Acerbi is without a few tricks up your sleeve…
So in short, yes Inter can win it. I wouldn’t mind betting that if they do, these three players will have a significant say in matters.
The Calcio Blog 