PSG vs Inter Milan: UCL final preview, predictions

The Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, sets the stage for the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League final on Saturday, May 31, at 8:00 PM (GMT), as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) face Inter Milan in a clash to crown Europe’s champions. Luis Enrique’s PSG, chasing their first-ever Champions League title, arrive as Ligue 1 winners with a dynamic, youthful attack led by Ousmane Dembele. Simone Inzaghi’s Inter, seeking their fourth European crown and first since 2010, boast a disciplined defense and a knockout run that ousted Bayern Munich and Barcelona. With both teams showcasing tactical flexibility and star power, this first-ever competitive meeting promises a gripping spectacle. This piece is set to analyze both clubs’ performances, tactics, team news, head-to-head statistics, and predict scorelines.

PSG performance

PSG, Ligue 1 champions with 76 points from 34 matches (W22 D10 L2, GF 81 GA 33), have transformed under Luis Enrique, shedding their “galactico” past for a cohesive, attacking unit. Their Champions League campaign saw 9 wins, 2 draws, and 5 losses across 16 matches, scoring 28 goals and conceding 15. A rocky league phase forced a 10-0 play-off rout of Brest, followed by knockout wins over Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal. PSG’s 1.8 xG and 59.2% average possession show their attacking power, but conceding first in 4 of 8 away games exposes weakness.

PSG tactics

Enrique’s fluid 4-3-3 shifts to a 4-2-3-1 in attack, emphasizing interchanging forwards and a high press. Dembele, a Ballon d’Or contender, operates centrally or right, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bradley Barcola on the flanks. Vitinha, dubbed “the best” by Enrique, anchors midfield with Joao Neves and Fabian Ruiz. Marquinhos and Milan Skriniar’s backline is shielded by Gianluigi Donnarumma’s 5 clean sheets. PSG’s front three’s drifting movement aims to disrupt Inter’s 5-3-2.

PSG’s team news and injuries

PSG are nearly at full strength. Presnel Kimpembe (Achilles) is the sole absentee. Ousmane Dembele, recovered from a hamstring issue, starts, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is back in training. The tactical dilemma is Desire Doue vs Bradley Barcola on the right, with Barcola favored after scoring twice in the Coupe de France final. No suspensions apply.

RELATED STORIES

Scott McTominay: How United’s reject became Naples’ pride

Kane, Vinicius: 12 players with hat-trick in UCL 2024/25 season

Ousmane Dembele: How Barcelona Injury Prone Forward Became PSG Talisman

Inter Milan performance

Inter, runners-up in Serie A with 74 points from 38 matches, lost the title to Napoli on the final day but shone in Europe. Their Champions League record is 10 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss in 14 matches, scoring 24 goals and conceding 11. A strong league phase with wins over Arsenal and RB Leipzig led to knockout triumphs against Feyenoord, Bayern Munich (3-1 aggregate), and Barcelona (5-4 aggregate), with Lautaro Martínez’s semi-final goal. Inter’s 1.6 xG and 49.8% average possession trail PSG, but their 0.8 xGA and 6 clean sheets in 8 knockout games showcase defensive solidity, according to Opta Analyst. Their 30 yellow cards (second-most in the competition) signal physicality risks.

Inter Milan tactics

Inzaghi’s 5-3-2 (or 3-4-1-2) is built on a disciplined backline and dynamic wing-backs, absorbing pressure before countering. Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram lead the attack, supported by Hakan Calhanoglu’s set-piece precision. Nicolo Barella and Davide Frattesi add midfield fire, while Alessandro Bastoni and Francesco Acerbi anchor the backline. Federico Dimarco and Denzel Dumfries’ wing-back runs aim to pin PSG’s wingers.

Inter Milan team news and injuries

Inter report no major injuries. Benjamin Pavard (ankle) and Piotr Zielinski (minor knock) are fit. Calhanoglu, despite a minor injury, will start. No suspensions apply, with Inzaghi resting key players post-Serie A to ensure freshness.

PSG vs Inter Milan head-to-head statistics

PSG and Inter have never met in competitive football. Their only encounters were friendlies: PSG won 3-1 in 2016 and 2-1 in 2019, while Inter won 1-0 in 2015. No meaningful head-to-head data exists, but Inter’s 3 Champions League titles and 7 final appearances gives them more experience against PSG’s lone 2020 final loss to Bayern Munich (1-0).

PSG vs Inter Milan predictions

PSG are slight favorites to lift the trophy, based on their 1.8 xG and 9 wins in 11 Champions League games vs. Inter’s 1.6 xG and 1 loss in 14. PSG’s attack—Dembele, Kvaratskhelia, Barcola averages 2.38 goals per game, but Inter’s “rock-solid” defense and 6 clean sheets in 8 knockouts are formidable. Inter’s 3-5-2, lauded for absorbing pressure, could frustrate PSG’s 59.2% average possession, with Dimarco and Dumfries pinning wingers. However, PSG’s interchanging forwards and Vitinha’s control could exploit Inter’s physicality.

Predicted Scoreline: PSG 2-1 Inter Milan. PSG’s attacking trio of Dembele, Kvaratskhelia, and Barcola overwhelms Inter’s backline. Except inter to net a set-piece goal, Donnarumma’s saves, and Vitinha’s midfield dominance. PSG’s 7 set-piece goals. However an alternative result could end in a 1-all draw with Inter winning on penalties.