Inter Milan has reached the Champions League final for the second time in three seasons, following a memorable semi-final victory. The decisive goal from Davide Frattesi sealed progress, presenting Simone Inzaghi`s side with another opportunity for European success after their 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the 2023 final in Istanbul. Regardless of their opponent in the upcoming final in Munich on May 31, questions arise: how is this Inter team different from the one that fell short in 2023? Here’s a look at the key factors:
Enhanced European Experience
This current Inter squad under Simone Inzaghi possesses a significantly different mindset and level of European experience compared to the team that reached the 2023 final. In 2023, their run was widely seen as a surprise, aided by a seemingly more favorable knockout path against FC Porto, Benfica, and rivals AC Milan. The season prior, Inzaghi`s first, they faced a tough challenge and were eliminated by Liverpool in the Round of 16, their first knockout appearance in over a decade. Under Inzaghi`s guidance, the team`s European resilience has grown substantially. Before their current impressive run which included overcoming Barcelona, they had already established themselves by finishing in the top eight of the league phase and eliminating tough opponents like Feyenoord and Bayern Munich in subsequent rounds. The key difference from 2023 is the shift in perception: while their presence in the final against Pep Guardiola`s side felt almost miraculous then, this time, thanks to their consistent progress and results, there`s a much stronger sense of self-belief and earned confidence.
The Influence of Lautaro Martinez and `Thu-La`
Inter has a new on-field leader since the 2023 season, with Lautaro Martinez taking over as club captain following Samir Handanovic`s departure. The Argentinian forward is the undisputed face of the team, and his extraordinary effort to recover from a muscular injury suffered in Barcelona just in time for the return leg at San Siro underscores his immense desire to lift the Champions League trophy. Having already achieved major international success by winning the World Cup in 2022 and the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, the Champions League title is arguably the final pinnacle for him as a player. Winning it could significantly boost his chances for individual accolades like the Ballon d`Or in 2025, building on his 7th-place finish last year. Furthermore, compared to 2023 when he partnered with Edin Dzeko and Romelu Lukaku, his current strike partner, Marcus Thuram, has proven highly complementary, helping Lautaro elevate his overall performance and impact.
Approaching the End of a Cycle
Adding another layer of motivation, there`s a distinct feeling around parts of the Inter squad, unlike teams such as PSG or Arsenal, that this season could represent a `last dance` before significant changes. Club president Giuseppe Marotta has already indicated that the roster is expected to undergo drastic changes starting in the summer of 2025. This transition is driven, in part, by the new American owners, Oaktree, who aim to rejuvenate the squad with younger talent while maintaining competitiveness. While some players are likely to depart this summer regardless of the final outcome on May 31, others will remain as a core foundation for the future, likely supplemented by new, younger recruits. This final feels like a potential culmination for this particular group before a new phase begins. Crucially, this planned evolution differs from the aftermath of the 2010 Treble under Jose Mourinho, where the club struggled to sustain that level; the objective this time is to actively manage the transition to maintain elite status.
