The 2025 UEFA Champions League final was supposed to be a battle of tactical brilliance, resilience, and European pedigree. Instead, Inter Milan was humiliated by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), who thrashed them 5-0 at Munich's Allianz Arena. This was the biggest winning margin in Champions League final history, leaving Inter fans and analysts questioning what went wrong for the Nerazzurri.
Inter Milan entered the final with high expectations, having overcome Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Feyenoord in their journey to Munich. However, against PSG, they looked outclassed, overwhelmed, and tactically unprepared. In this blog, we analyze the key reasons behind Inter Milan’s struggles and why they failed to compete against PSG.
1. Tactical Missteps: Inzaghi’s Plan Falls Apart
Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi had a well-defined strategy: dominate possession, take advantage of counterattacks, and absorb PSG's early pressure. However, this plan collapsed within minutes, as PSG’s relentless pressing and quick transitions disrupted Inter’s rhythm.
Tactical Errors:
Failure to Contain PSG’s Press: Inter struggled to play out from the back, with goalkeeper Yann Sommer kicking the ball out of play twice early on.
Lack of Midfield Control: Nicolò Barella and Hakan Çalhanoğlu were unable to dictate the tempo, losing possession frequently.
Defensive Fragility: The back three of Alessandro Bastoni, Stefan de Vrij, and Francesco Acerbi failed to cope with PSG’s attacking movement.
Inter’s structured 3-5-2 formation was supposed to provide defensive stability, but PSG’s fluid attacking play exposed its weaknesses.
2. PSG’s Early Goals: A Psychological Blow
Inter Milan’s game plan relied on keeping the match tight in the opening stages. However, PSG broke that strategy with two early goals.
Key Moments:
12th Minute: Achraf Hakimi scored against his former club, giving PSG a 1-0 lead.
19th Minute: Désiré Doué doubled PSG’s advantage with a deflected shot.
These early setbacks shattered Inter’s confidence, forcing them to chase the game rather than dictate it.
3. Midfield Battle Lost: Barella and Çalhanoğlu Struggle
Inter Milan’s midfield, usually their strongest asset, was completely overrun by PSG’s dynamic trio of Vitinha, João Neves, and Fabian Ruiz.
Midfield Struggles:
Lack of Press Resistance: Barella and Çalhanoğlu were unable to evade PSG’s aggressive pressing.
Failure to Create Chances: Inter’s midfield failed to provide service to Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram.
Defensive Vulnerabilities: PSG exploited gaps in midfield, launching quick attacks that bypassed Inter’s defensive structure.
Without midfield control, Inter lost their ability to dictate the game, allowing PSG to dominate possession.
4. Defensive Collapse: Inter’s Backline Exposed
Inter Milan’s defense, which had been solid throughout the tournament, crumbled under PSG’s relentless attacks.
Defensive Errors:
Bad Positioning: PSG was able to take advantage of gaps after Inter's defenders were often caught out of position.
Lack of Communication: Defensive miscommunication led to easy chances for PSG.
Failure to Track Runners: PSG’s attackers constantly found space, leading to three second-half goals.
Inter’s defensive frailties were exposed brutally, leading to their worst-ever European final defeat.
5. Attacking Inefficiency: Lautaro and Thuram Isolated
Inter Milan’s attack was non-existent, with Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram struggling to make an impact.
Attacking Issues:
Lack of Service: Inter’s midfield failed to provide quality passes to their forwards.
Poor Finishing: Thuram had Inter’s best chance—a header that went wide—but failed to convert.
No Tactical Adjustments: Inzaghi failed to change his approach, leaving Inter’s attack predictable and ineffective.
Without attacking threat, Inter never looked capable of mounting a comeback.
6. PSG’s Tactical Superiority: Luis Enrique’s Masterclass
While Inter Milan struggled, PSG executed their game plan to perfection under Luis Enrique.
PSG’s Tactical Brilliance:
High Pressing: PSG forced turnovers and disrupted Inter’s build-up.
Fluid Attacking Play: Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia, and Doué constantly rotated positions, confusing Inter’s defense.
Midfield Dominance: PSG controlled possession, dictating the tempo throughout the match.
Because to Luis Enrique's tactical tweaks, PSG was able to maintain control throughout their historic victory.
Conclusion
Inter Milan’s 5-0 defeat in the Champions League final was a result of tactical errors, defensive frailties, and attacking inefficiencies. Inter never found their groove because to PSG's early goals, unrelenting pressure, and excellent midfield management.
While Inter Milan’s journey to the final was impressive, their performance in Munich was disastrous. As they reflect on this defeat, they must learn from their mistakes and rebuild for the future.
For PSG, this victory marks the beginning of a new era, as they finally conquer Europe with a young, dynamic squad.
~~~ By Dribble Diaries
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