Champions League Final: Inter Boss Reflects on Epic Barcelona Victory and Potential Opponents

Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi has expressed respect for his potential Champions League final opponents, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, but subtly highlighted his team’s remarkable journey to the final.

Speaking after Inter’s dramatic victory over Barcelona, Inzaghi remarked that his side had already overcome “the two best sides in Europe” on their path to the showpiece event.

Inter’s semi-final clash with Barcelona on Tuesday was a football spectacle for the ages. With just two minutes left in regular time, Inter were on the brink of elimination.

However, 37-year-old Francesco Acerbi, a resilient cancer survivor, delivered a crucial 93rd-minute equalizer, darting ahead of Ronald Araujo to sweep the ball into the net. The goal brought the tie to 3-3 on the night, 6-6 on aggregate, sending the match into extra time.

Davide Frattesi, who had been a doubt for the match due to a minor injury and required painkillers to make it onto the pitch, then struck the decisive goal in extra time. His effort sealed Inter’s place in the final, where they will face either Arsenal or PSG on 31 May.

Reflecting on the upcoming challenge, Inzaghi said, “They are two great teams with two great histories, but we have proven our strength on this stage.”