Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan are set to face off in the highly anticipated Champions League final at the Allianz Arena in Munich. For Inter, this marks their second consecutive European final appearance, having narrowly lost the 2023 Champions League final 1-0 to Manchester City. The Nerazzurri are aiming to clinch their fourth Champions League trophy, a feat not achieved since their treble-winning season in 2010 under José Mourinho. PSG, in contrast, is still pursuing their first ever Champions League title, with their previous best finish being a loss in the 2020 final against Bayern Munich. As the managers, Luis Enrique for PSG and Simone Inzaghi for Inter, prepare their sides, both have acknowledged having some difficult decisions to make regarding their starting formations.
Inter Milan is expected to field their strongest available lineup for the final. Yann Sommer will guard the goal, supported by a back three configuration. This defensive line is anticipated to include Alessandro Bastoni, Francesco Acerbi, and most notably, Benjamin Pavard. Pavard`s timely return to the squad this week makes him a probable starter, pushing German defender Yann Bisseck to the bench. The midfield is likely to feature the familiar trio of Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, flanked by wing-backs Federico Dimarco and Denzel Dumfries. Leading the attack, as they have done consistently, will be Inter captain Lautaro Martinez paired with Marcus Thuram.
Paris Saint-Germain appears to have fewer significant lineup uncertainties heading into the decisive match. Italian international Gianluigi Donnarumma is set to start in goal, facing several of his national teammates playing for Inter. The defense in front of him is predicted to be a back four comprising Achraf Hakimi (a former Inter player), team captain Marquinhos, William Pacho, and Nuno Mendes. The central midfield unit is expected to be composed of Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz. Supporting the forward line will be Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the former Napoli winger. The main selection dilemma for PSG manager Luis Enrique lies in choosing the third attacking player, with Desire Doue currently tipped to start ahead of Bradley Barcola.
Predicted Starting Lineups
PSG XI: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, William Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Inter XI: Yann Sommer; Benjamin Pavard, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni; Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Federico Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram.
