Inter Milan has advanced to the Champions League final for the second time in the past three years, following their 4-3 extra-time victory over Barcelona, making the aggregate score 7-6. The home win at the San Siro provided plenty of memorable moments, but midfielder Davide Frattesi arguably stole the show with his unconventional goal in the 99th minute.
After receiving the ball from Marcus Thuram, forward Mehdi Taremi unselfishly laid it off to Frattesi. The midfielder added a deceptive touch to his finish, faking a shot before quickly striking the ball past Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny for the go-ahead goal. It was notable that this was only Frattesi`s seventh goal of the season and his first in eight appearances for Inter across all competitions. His previous significant contribution was an 88th-minute goal in the first leg of Inter`s quarterfinal tie against Bayern Munich, a match they narrowly won 4-3 on aggregate.
When questioned by CBS Sports after the match about his calmness under pressure during the critical finishing moment, Frattesi offered a remarkably candid response.
“I don`t know, maybe I was thinking that if I don`t score, I`m f—ed,” Frattesi said.
High-pressure situations in front of the net can often lead to “tunnel vision,” but the Inter midfielder successfully channeled that intensity into a composed finish that will send his team to the Champions League final on May 31. The season`s work is far from complete, with the final looming and three more Serie A matches remaining as they push to challenge Napoli for the Scudetto. However, having players like Frattesi who can step up and produce crucial moments makes anything seem possible.
