Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi struck a measured tone on Friday as he faced the media ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Speaking from the Allianz Arena, where the final will be staged, Inzaghi described reaching another final as a ‘dream’.
He praised his players for their commitment through a gruelling campaign that began in Manchester and is now set to end in Munich.
“We’ve put a lot into this journey,” he said. “We deserved to get here. Now, we’re one step away.”
Inter were beaten finalists two years ago, but Inzaghi believes that experience has shaped this year’s group.
He pointed to improved preparation, full squad availability – something he has rarely enjoyed this season – and a focused mentality as key advantages compared to the 2022/23 final against Manchester City.
The route to Munich has been far from straightforward. Inter had to navigate past European heavyweights Bayern Munich and Barcelona to reach the final..
Their victory in Bavaria earlier in the tournament gave them belief.
“We beat Bayern away and used that momentum to eliminate Barcelona,” he added. “That showed us what we’re capable of.”
Inzaghi reiterated that he is not treating the final as the end of a cycle or a defining moment in his career, saying only that he is ‘proud to be part of this club’ and grateful to lead a squad that ‘gives everything’.
Asked if Inter are favourites, Inzaghi dismissed the idea.
“We weren’t favourites against City either,” he said. “Finals are decided by details, by episodes. You don’t need the biggest wage bill to win. You need concentration, desire and calm.”
He also spoke glowingly of his opponents, acknowledging PSG’s technical quality and intensity in possession.
“They’re fast, they’re young, and they know how to dominate the ball,” Inzaghi said. “But we know how to hurt teams too. It’s going to be a clash of styles.”
Inter will take confidence from the fact that this final is their second in three seasons, and they are now used to the big stage under Inzaghi.
But PSG are chasing their first Champions League title and are fresh off a domestic double. For Inter, it’s about finishing the job. For PSG, it’s about making history.
