Inter is preparing to face PSG on May 31st at Munich`s Allianz Arena in the UEFA Champions League final for the 2024-25 season, a match widely anticipated as the highlight of the year. Inter aims for their fourth Champions League title, having previously lifted the trophy in 1964, 1965, and in 2010 under Jose Mourinho during their historic treble-winning season. Since that success, their only return to the final was two years prior, in 2023, when Simone Inzaghi`s side was defeated by Manchester City. Now, just two years later, Inter is back on the grand stage to compete against Luis Enrique`s PSG. This marks PSG`s second appearance in the Champions League final, having lost their first in 2020, as the French club continues its pursuit of a maiden title in the competition. Let`s delve into Inter`s prospects and examine the factors that could lead them to victory.
How to Watch the Champions League Final & Betting 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 Starting Lineup
Preferred XI: Yann Sommer; Benjamin Pavard, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni; Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Federico Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram
Inter`s Strengths
- A seasoned squad with several players who experienced the 2023 final.
- The motivation of potentially being the final chance for some core players as the team looks towards a new phase.
- Proven capability to overcome elite opposition, demonstrated by eliminating Bayern Munich and Barcelona convincingly over two legs in earlier rounds.
Inter`s Weaknesses
- Concerns about squad depth beyond the starting eleven.
- Absence of a standout individual who can single-handedly alter the course of a match independently of the team`s system.
- A tendency to concede goals, particularly noted in the later stages of the competition compared to the initial rounds.
Reasons Why Inter is Poised to Win the Champions League
1. Enhanced European Experience
Inter approaches the 2025 Champions League final with a different attitude and significantly more European experience compared to their 2023 appearance. Their campaign involved securing a strong finish in the league phase, followed by successful knockout ties against challenging sides like Feyenoord, Bayern Munich, and ultimately overcoming Barcelona in the semifinals. While reaching the 2023 final against Manchester City felt like an extraordinary achievement, Inter`s current confidence level is built upon years of consistent progress under the guidance of Simone Inzaghi since he took charge in 2021.
2. Lautaro Martinez Operating at His Peak
This season, Inter`s Lautaro Martinez has solidified his position as one of the world`s top strikers, showing marked improvement since the 2023 final. He has become the undisputed captain and a central figure around whom the team revolves – truly the heartbeat of the Nerazzurri. His remarkable recovery from a muscular injury sustained earlier to participate in the crucial semifinal second leg at San Siro highlighted his immense desire to lift the Champions League trophy. Having already secured winners` medals from the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 and 2024 Copa America tournaments with Argentina, the Champions League title remains Lautaro`s foremost ambition.
3. The Potential “Last Dance” for the Current Group
The 2025 final might represent a significant milestone, potentially marking the culmination for the current Inter squad before a transition phase suggested by the new American ownership, Oaktree, aiming for a younger roster in the coming years. Unlike the period of decline that followed Jose Mourinho`s treble triumph in 2010, the upcoming evolution is designed with the intention of sustaining Inter`s competitive standing, led by key figures such as Lautaro Martinez and coach Simone Inzaghi. Nevertheless, winning the Champions League final would undeniably be an unforgettable pinnacle for this particular era and group of players.
