A historic night for Paris Saint-Germain spelled heartbreak for Inter Milan, as the Parisians stormed to a record 5–0 victory in the 2024–25 UEFA Champions League final—claiming their first-ever European crown in emphatic fashion. But for Inter manager Simone Inzaghi, the nature of the defeat stung more than the loss itself.
In a subdued post-match press conference, Inzaghi didn’t hold back.
> “It absolutely didn’t feel like my Inter out there—and the players are the first to know it,” he said.
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💔 Déjà Vu and Doubled Pain
This is the second time in three years that Inzaghi has seen his team fall at the final hurdle. After the narrow 1–0 loss to Manchester City in the 2023 final in Istanbul, this heavy defeat marked a painful regression.
> “There is great disappointment and bitterness because the boys have had a great run this season, and it’s hard to end with no titles,” Inzaghi added.
“As a coach, I’m still proud. But we approached the final badly.”
This final offered no silver linings. From the opening whistle, Inter were second-best in nearly every aspect—overwhelmed by a PSG side brimming with youthful flair, tactical precision, and raw hunger.
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⚽ PSG’s Blitz Leaves Inter Reeling
PSG were ruthless. Desire Doué, the teenage sensation, led the charge with a spectacular brace and an assist, while Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Senny Mayulu also found the net. The French side’s intensity, creativity, and defensive organization proved too much for an Inter side that appeared emotionally and physically spent.
> “We were more tired than PSG,” Inzaghi admitted, pointing to the demanding Serie A title race that ran until the final weekend.
“They had time to rest and prepare. We didn’t play well technically… they got there first. We fully deserved the defeat.”
It was an honest assessment that echoed the frustration of Inter fans worldwide, watching their team crumble under pressure on the biggest stage.
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🧠 From Pride to Uncertainty
Despite the bitter loss, Inzaghi remained appreciative of his squad’s overall journey—a campaign that saw them eliminate heavyweights like Barcelona in a thrilling 7–6 semifinal aggregate.
> “We didn’t play the final in the best way, but I thanked the boys. Heavy defeats and finals leave their mark,” he said.
“We’ve been through this before… You come out stronger from defeats.”
Still, questions linger about the future. Inter’s domestic and continental shortcomings this season have sparked debate over the direction of the team and its leadership.
When asked if he would remain in charge for the upcoming Club World Cup in the U.S., Inzaghi declined to answer directly:
> “I won’t answer that question. I came out of politeness and respect for you, but this defeat hurts too much. We must all start again together.”
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🏆 A Turning Point for Inter
This final may go down not only as PSG’s coronation, but also as a crossroads for Inter. A squad with seasoned stars and battle-hardened experience now faces questions about regeneration, mentality, and management. The defeat leaves a trail of introspection ahead of a high-profile summer.
One thing is certain: Inzaghi’s era, though marked by moments of near-triumph, is yet to deliver the kind of silverware befitting a club of Inter’s stature.
> “We must hold our heads high… but we came up against a stronger team who deserved to win,” he concluded.
