Coach Simone Inzaghi believes Inter must take care of small details “in the best possible way” to win the Champions League in second time of trying
Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi believes his side are more mature, more experienced and better prepared to seize their moment and win the Champions League.
Inter face Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday in a clash of Italy and France, with both clubs looking to end long waits for European glory. For Inter, it’s a chance to lift the trophy for the first time since 2010. For PSG, a chance to finally land their first-ever Champions League title.
In 2023 Inter suffered heartbreak in Istanbul as they fell short against Manchester City, who won the treble that year under Pep Guardiola. On Saturday, the Nerazzurri will be facing another side chasing the treble, led by a manager who has achieved the feat before.
But Inzaghi wants his players to keep calm heads and clear minds, and he is glad he has seen that so far.
“I have seen determination and not the obsession that shouldn’t be there,” Inzaghi told reporters on Friday, the eve of the final. “Instead, there should be the right concentration and determination, and this is what the guys have shown me in these days.”
Inter’s path to Munich has been anything but smooth, especially after a disappointing domestic campaign where they relinquished the Serie A crown to Napoli. Yet in Europe, the Nerazzurri have displayed steel, knocking out Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals before seeing off Barcelona in a two-legged semi-final thriller that ended with 13 goals scored.
And for Inzaghi, the lessons from last year’s narrow 1-0 defeat to City have not been forgotten.
“We have gained experience on how to reach the Champions League final, which is a very important match, just like a World Cup final, a European Championship final,” the Inter boss said.
“The psychological side is important. We worked in the best way, leaving aside the disappointment [of last year].”
The Italian manager has a full-strength squad at his disposal for only the fourth time this season. Defender Benjamin Pavard, who missed the semi-final against Barcelona with a muscle issue, has returned to fitness and is available for selection.
“The guys are all available and this year, out of 59 matches, in just three games we have had all 23 available,” said Inzaghi. “It gives a coach great confidence. Having everyone available is better than anyone could ask for.”
Facing them are a PSG side led by Luis Enrique that have swept all before them this season. Already crowned Ligue 1 champions and French Cup winners, the Parisians are looking for what they describe as “cherry on the top”, the first treble in their club’s history.
Inzaghi was asked what qualities his team must bring to topple the French giants.
“Aggressiveness, clarity, there could be many more,” he said. “To win such an important match, it will take everything. We are trying to take care of all the details in the best possible way, knowing that we face a great team with incredible strength and a great coach.”
