UEFA Champions League final expert picks: Paris Saint-Germain vs Inter Milan prediction

The UEFA Champions League showdown is locked in: Paris Saint-Germain will battle Inter Milan in a thrilling finale. The stage is Munich’s iconic Allianz Arena, where the action kicks off at 9:00 PM CET on Saturday, May 31. Here’s my bold prediction on which team will claim the crown.

Champions League Final Spotlight: PSG’s Quest for Glory
Paris Saint-Germain has stormed through the French football landscape this season, reigning supreme as Ligue 1’s unchallenged titans. Their domestic dominance was sealed with a dazzling display in the Coupe de France, where they outclassed Reims to clinch a golden double. Now, the Parisian giants stand on the cusp of immortality, chasing a historic treble with the Champions League final in their sights—a victory that would etch their name in European football folklore. Only Marseille, tainted by controversy in the ’90s, has ever brought this coveted trophy to France.

This is just PSG’s second dance on the Champions League final stage. Their first, in the eerie, pandemic-shadowed 2020 clash, saw them falter against Bayern Munich’s relentless machine. From that squad, only the stalwart Marquinhos and the oft-injured Presnel Kimpembe remain, carrying the scars and lessons of that defeat.

When Kylian Mbappé’s exit sent shockwaves through the football world, doubters foresaw PSG’s downfall. Yet, under Luis Enrique’s masterful guidance, the team has forged a new identity, bound by a shared hunger for greatness. Ousmane Dembélé has rediscovered his spark, weaving magic on the wing. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s flair has electrified the attack, while young prodigy Désiré Doué has emerged as a revelation. And towering in goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma’s acrobatic saves have been the backbone of PSG’s journey to Munich.

As the Allianz Arena awaits, PSG stand poised to rewrite history. Will they seize their moment, or will Inter Milan spoil the Parisian dream? The stage is set for an epic showdown.

Inter, under Simone Inzaghi, have reached the Champions League final for the second time in three years. In 2023, the Italians fell short against Manchester City, and their last European triumph dates back to 2010.

The Nerazzurri have proven their mettle by knocking out both Bayern and Barcelona—results few saw coming. With a well-balanced squad, Inter are rightly regarded as one of Europe’s elite teams.

In Serie A, Inter squandered a win over Lazio in the penultimate round, allowing Antonio Conte’s Napoli to snatch the Scudetto from the Milanese side. The team’s leaders are Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez, though the latter’s scoring form has dipped of late.

This summer could bring major changes. Saudi club Al Hilal are reportedly offering Simone Inzaghi a lucrative deal, while Bastoni and Barella are increasingly linked with transfers. Veterans like Mkhitaryan, Acerbi, and Sommer are all well into their thirties, making this likely their last shot at continental glory.

Match facts

• PSG are on a four-match winning streak.
• The Parisians have kept just three clean sheets in their last 15 matches.
• Inter are unbeaten in their last six games.
• The Italians have scored at least two goals in each of their last four matches.
• PSG average 2.7 goals per game, while Inter average 2.1.

Probable line ups

• Paris Saint-Germain: Donnarumma, Mendes, Paco, Marquinhos, Hakimi, Ruiz, Vitinha, Neves, Kvaratskhelia, Doué, Dembélé.
• Inter Milan: Sommer, Bastoni, Acerbi, Bisseck, Dumfries, Dimarco, Mkhitaryan, Çalhanoğlu, Barella, Thuram, Martínez.

H2H

• The teams have never met in an official competition.
• Inter and PSG have played five friendlies: three wins for the French side, one draw, and one win for the Italians.

Prediction

No doubt, a clash of this magnitude promises a battle for every inch of the pitch. The intrigue is heightened by the fact that both sides have displayed impressive attacking prowess all season. Enrique has his squad working hard defensively, while Inter famously put six past Barcelona. Bookmakers see the French club as slight favorites, but Inzaghi’s men will have plenty to say. I’m leaning towards PSG and suggest backing them with a 0 handicap.

Final Score Prediction: PSG 2-1 Inter Milan