Kolkata: The Champions League final on Saturday is about more than just a battle between teams old and young, or between the established order of football and a club supported by a state. It's also about dispelling the myth that Inter Milan is a stereotypical Italian defensive team. It's impossible for that label to hold up against a team that scored seven goals against Barcelona across two games and 79 goals in Serie A, which they were unable to defend by a single point. With 59 points, Napoli became the new Italian champions.

After 12 touches, Inter's first goal against Barcelona came from a Marcus Thuram back-heel, and the second came from an acrobatic volley from a wing-back. Lautaro Martinez is a club icon who has scored 20 goals or more in five of his previous six seasons, and 19 in the one he hasn't. In the 2024–2025 Champions League, he and Marcus Thuram scored 13 goals in the same number of games as part of their partnership, which sought to win a medal that his father Lilian never won. Thuram has now scored a season high of 14 goals and seven assists. Indeed, even Francesco Acerbi, the center defender, has put an end to his goal drought.

In addition to demonstrating in Serie A that they are capable of holding the ball more than any other team (fbref.com gives them the highest possession percentage in the league at 59.7%), Inter can also play without the ball. Inter have typically been clinical in front of goal, but they have also scored three goals at Barcelona and won at Bayern. And it is a fact that during the league stage, they only gave up one goal. This is also Inter's second final in the last three seasons.

Simone Inzaghi would demonstrate that he is a manager who can handle adversity with the same ease as parting his hair in the center if they were to win it against a strong Paris St-Germain (PSG) – which Opta predicts has a 46.4% chance of going to Munich – even though they could have won it against Manchester City in 22-23. His trophy collection at Inter, which already consists of a Serie A championship, three Italian Cup victories, and three Italian Super Cup triumphs, will also be increased. It will mark Inter's first Champions League appearance since 2010.

"That (Champions League victory) would clearly make all the difference in the world," Inzaghi said on Monday. "The boys have been extraordinary this season because we played 59 games."

As per an AP story, the US investment business Oaktree seized the club soon after Inzaghi, 48, won Serie A, which was his first and Inter's 20th, after Suning, the Chinese owners, had been unable to settle a debt of $448 million. In the summer transfer market, there was little movement. Consider this in order to gain perspective: Since Qatar Sports Investments acquired PSG in 2011, the club has invested more than $2.28 billion in players. In January, €70 million was spent just on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Inter acquired players without charge.

Givemesport.com reports that on most European nights, the average age of Inter's starting XI was over 30, while PSG's was 23.3. Acerbi is 37, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Yan Sommer are 36. The oldest player for PSG is Marquinhos, who is 31 years old. Inter may have lost the league and in the Italian Cup due to a lack of squad depth, but it has also meant that, with the exception of Sommer, Thuram, and Benjamin, the club has been able to maintain its consistency in the league.

Everyone is familiar with the experience of losing a Champions League final, including Pavard.

"The team, and especially the players, know that we're lacking that last ingredient to make history," Inzaghi stated. "Obviously, having already played the final helps you, but we also know that on the other side there are players who have won the World Cup and have played in other finals, as well as a coach who has already won the Champions League."

Christian Eriksen, Romelu Lukaku, and Achraf Hakimi left Inter in Inzaghi's debut season as Antonio Conte's replacement in 2021–22, as the Dane was not allowed to play in Italy due to his cardiac illness. But, Inter was just two points away from winning the league. They competed in the Champions League final the following season, and in 23-24, Inter won Serie A and deserved a better fate than falling to Atletico Madrid on penalties.

According to Inzaghi, if you can create a sense of team spirit in the changing room, no challenge is too difficult. You now understand why Opta had placed Inter behind Real Madrid and Manchester City as the top candidates to win the competition that underwent a makeover this year.

Filippo, Inzaghi's older brother, who has won the World Cup and Champions League, overshadowed him throughout his career playing for club and nation. Inzaghi Sr. was born offside, according to Alex Ferguson. Fortunately, I was born a meter onside, was Filippo "Pippo" Inzaghi's response to FourFourTwo.

However, it has been the reverse as coaches. However, Simone Inzaghi will only get the recognition he deserves as a coach if he triumphs in the hardest club competition in the world. Just ask Pep Guardiola. "Then, well, Pippo and I will ask our parents what was the greatest satisfaction for them," said Simone Inzaghi.

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