A look in depth at the Sports News’ team’s PSG vs Inter Milan Champions League final prediction ahead of the big game at the end of May 2025.
On May 31, 2025, the football world will turn its gaze to the Allianz Arena in Munich, where Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan will face off for the UEFA Champions League trophy. It’s a historic moment in European football, marking the first final in 21 years without a team from England, Germany, or Spain. For PSG, this is a golden opportunity to finally claim the Champions League title that has eluded them despite years of heavy investment and near misses. For Inter Milan, three-time champions, it’s a chance to reclaim the glory they last tasted in 2010 under José Mourinho. Both teams have defied expectations to reach this stage, and with contrasting styles and compelling narratives, this final promises to be an unforgettable showdown.
Let’s dive into the journey of both teams, explore their strengths and weaknesses, examine their recent form, and make a detailed prediction for what’s to come in Munich. This is a fresh look at the matchup, blending analysis with the stakes and emotions that define a Champions League final.
The road to the final has been anything but straightforward for either side. When the 2024-25 Champions League season began with its new 36-team league phase, neither PSG nor Inter Milan were considered favorites. PSG, adjusting to life after Kylian Mbappé’s departure, had a rocky start. They struggled in the league phase, scraping through to the knockout rounds after a must-win final game. Inter Milan, on the other hand, were quietly effective, finishing fourth in the league phase with just one loss in eight matches—a 1-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in December 2024.
PSG’s path to Munich was a gauntlet of English opposition, a testament to their resilience and attacking flair under Luis Enrique. They turned heads in the knockout stages, first by knocking out Liverpool in a dramatic penalty shootout, then overpowering Aston Villa with a five-goal aggregate thrashing, and finally brushing aside Arsenal in the semifinals with a 3-1 aggregate victory. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma emerged as a hero, delivering superhuman performances, especially against Aston Villa and Arsenal, where he made crucial saves to keep PSG in the tie. The addition of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been transformative for PSG, with many now calling them the best team in the world. Their attack has been prolific, scoring 33 goals in 16 Champions League games this season, the second-highest in the competition. But their defense has been a weak spot, conceding 15 goals, a vulnerability that could prove costly against a tactically astute side like Inter.
Inter Milan’s journey, under the steady guidance of Simone Inzaghi, was equally dramatic. They started the knockout rounds by dispatching Feyenoord, then pulled off an upset against Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals. Their semifinal against Barcelona was one of the greatest in recent memory—a 7-6 aggregate thriller that had fans on the edge of their seats. Inter squandered a 2-0 lead in the second leg, but Francesco Acerbi’s last-minute equalizer and Davide Frattesi’s extra-time winner sent them through. This never-say-die attitude has defined Inter’s campaign, a trait that echoes their 2023 final appearance, where they fell 1-0 to Manchester City. Inzaghi’s ability to rotate his squad—sometimes changing six to eight players in a single match—has kept Inter fresh, a factor that could play a crucial role in the final.
Both teams are in strong form domestically, but their recent performances reveal different challenges. PSG have been dominant in Ligue 1, clinching the title with six games to spare and remaining unbeaten in the league. Their most recent match before the final was a 3-1 win over Auxerre on May 17, 2025. In the Champions League, however, their form has been inconsistent: three wins, a loss, a win, and another loss in their last six matches. While their attack is formidable, their defense has struggled, particularly against set pieces, where they’ve conceded more goals than any other Ligue 1 side this season. This could be a critical weakness against Inter, who excel in aerial duels.
Inter Milan are locked in a tight race for the Serie A title, sitting level on points with Napoli as of their last match, a 2-2 draw against Lazio on May 18, 2025. Their Champions League form has been more consistent: a draw, three wins, a draw, and a loss in their last six games. They’ve shown resilience but have a tendency to concede late, as seen in their semifinal against Barcelona. Inter’s depth has been a strength, but there’s a potential hurdle on the horizon—a Serie A playoff against Napoli, scheduled for May 26, 2025, just five days before the final. Inter protested the scheduling, arguing it puts them at a disadvantage, but their appeal was unsuccessful. This extra match could leave them fatigued, a concern against a fresher PSG side.
Surprisingly, PSG and Inter Milan have never met in a competitive match, making this final a completely fresh encounter. They’ve faced off in exhibition games in the past, but those results offer little insight into what might happen in Munich. The lack of a competitive history adds an element of unpredictability, as neither team has a psychological edge from previous clashes.
Let’s break down the tactical approaches of both sides and highlight the key players who could decide the final. PSG, under Luis Enrique, play a high-intensity, possession-based 4-3-3 that emphasizes quick transitions and flair in attack. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been a revelation on the wing, his dribbling and creativity complementing Ousmane Dembélé’s pace and flair. In midfield, Fabian Ruiz has stepped up as a goal-scoring threat, as evidenced by his strike in the semifinal against Arsenal. At the back, Achraf Hakimi balances defensive duties with attacking contributions, often overlapping to create width. But PSG’s small stature makes them vulnerable to set pieces, a weakness that Inter could exploit with their physicality and aerial presence, particularly through Denzel Dumfries. In goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma is in the form of his life, with his heroics against Aston Villa and Arsenal proving he can keep PSG in games single-handedly. His performances have even drawn interest from clubs like Manchester City and Juventus, though he remains focused on PSG’s quest for glory.
Inter Milan, led by Simone Inzaghi, favor a 3-5-2 formation that prioritizes tactical discipline, counterattacks, and squad rotation. Lautaro Martínez has been their talisman, scoring in the Round of 16, quarterfinals, and semifinals. A goal from him in the final is a real possibility, and bookmakers have him at 23/10 to find the net. In midfield, Nicolò Barella provides dynamism, while the backline, anchored by Francesco Acerbi, is adept at absorbing pressure and striking on the break. Inzaghi’s ability to change tactics mid-game—often making wholesale changes to his lineup—gives Inter flexibility, but their veterans might struggle to keep up with PSG’s high-paced style, especially if the Serie A playoff takes a toll on their energy levels.
So, what are the key strengths and weaknesses that could decide this final? For PSG, their attacking firepower is their biggest asset. With 33 goals in the Champions League this season, they’ve been a nightmare for defenses. Their ability to dominate possession and create chances through Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé is a major strength, and Donnarumma’s form in goal provides a crucial safety net. PSG also benefit from their youth—the youngest squad in the competition ensures they’ll be fresh, especially since they have no major matches between now and the final. However, their defensive vulnerabilities, particularly against set pieces, could be their undoing. Inter’s physicality and aerial threat might expose PSG’s small backline, and their relative inexperience in finals—having lost their only previous appearance in 2020—could lead to nerves on the big stage.
Inter Milan’s biggest strength is their experience in high-stakes matches. Many of their players were part of the 2023 final squad, giving them composure under pressure. Their tactical flexibility and counterattacking ability make them dangerous, especially against possession-heavy teams like PSG. Martínez’s scoring streak and Inzaghi’s squad rotation ensure they can adapt to different scenarios. But Inter face challenges too. The potential Serie A playoff on May 26 could leave them fatigued, a disadvantage against a fresher PSG side. Their veterans, while experienced, might struggle to match PSG’s intensity, with some fans on social media expressing concerns about their “legs” holding up against PSG’s pace.
What do the betting odds and experts say? PSG are slight favorites, with bookmakers pricing them at +125 to win within 90 minutes, while Inter are at +210, with a draw at +230. Opta’s supercomputer gives PSG a 53.6% chance of lifting the trophy, compared to Inter’s 46.4%. Opinions are split among pundits and celebrities. Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman, speaking to Canal+, predicted a PSG victory, saying, “PSG has got it. The team is better than ever!” On the other hand, former Italian star Marco Simone believes Inter’s depth gives them the edge, pointing out their ability to “change six, seven, even eight players” without losing quality.
PSG vs Inter Milan Champions League Prediction
So, what’s my prediction for this final? Given PSG’s attacking prowess and Inter’s knack for dramatic comebacks, I expect this match to defy the recent trend of low-scoring Champions League finals, which have seen four consecutive 1-0 results from 2020 to 2023. PSG’s high-paced style might allow them to dominate early, but Inter’s counterattacking threat and set-piece ability could keep them in the game. I see this match ending in a 2-2 draw after 90 minutes, with PSG winning 4-3 in a penalty shootout, thanks to Donnarumma’s heroics. PSG’s hunger for their first Champions League title, combined with their fresher legs, might just tip the scales in their favor.
Several key factors could decide the outcome. First, set pieces will be crucial—Inter’s aerial threat could exploit PSG’s defensive weakness in this area. Second, fatigue could play a role—if Inter are forced to play that Serie A playoff, their energy levels might suffer against a rested PSG side. Third, goalkeeping could be the difference—Donnarumma’s form might prove decisive in a tight match. Finally, the battle between Lautaro Martínez and PSG’s defense will be one to watch—if Martínez continues his scoring streak, Inter could pull off an upset.
Fan sentiment on platforms like social media is divided. Some fans, like user
@mandohuitron, back PSG, citing Luis Enrique’s cohesive unit and the departure of Mbappé as a turning point that has allowed the team to gel. Others worry about Inter’s veterans struggling against PSG’s pace, though Inter supporters draw confidence from their team’s experience in finals. This final carries broader significance as well—it’s the first Champions League final under the revamped format and the first in over two decades without a team from England, Spain, or Germany. A PSG win would make them the first French club to lift the trophy since Marseille in 1993, while Inter are aiming for their fourth European crown.
Off the pitch, there are additional storylines adding to the drama. PSG fans have voiced frustration with the club’s ticket sale process for the final, with some accusing the club of mismanagement after tickets sold out quickly during the second wave of sales. Inter, meanwhile, face logistical challenges with the Serie A playoff, a situation that has drawn sympathy from neutral fans who feel the scheduling puts them at a disadvantage.
As the football world descends on Munich, one thing is clear: this final will be a spectacle. Whether PSG finally claim their holy grail or Inter restore their European legacy, the Allianz Arena will witness history on May 31, 2025. It’s a clash of contrasting styles—PSG’s youthful flair and attacking dominance against Inter’s tactical discipline and counterattacking prowess. The outcome may hinge on small margins: a set-piece goal, a moment of brilliance from Martínez or Kvaratskhelia, or a crucial save from Donnarumma. But regardless of the result, this final has all the makings of a classic, potentially breaking the mold of recent low-scoring affairs.
In the end, I’m sticking with my prediction of a 2-2 draw after 90 minutes, with PSG edging it 4-3 on penalties. The French side’s hunger, combined with Donnarumma’s form and their fresher legs, might just be enough to see them over the line. But Inter’s experience and resilience make them a dangerous opponent, and they won’t go down without a fight. Buckle up, football fans—this one’s going to be a final for the ages.