PSG vs Inter – Four Key Battles to Keep a Eye On | OneFootball

It’s a day of reckoning in the Champions League as Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan square off in the grand final. Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena forms the backdrop for the most prestigious fixture in the European club season.

Despite PSG’s pre-match favoritism, Simone Inzaghi won’t shy away from the challenge. Two years after losing the Istanbul final to Manchester City, the 49-year-old is back to conquer his final peak in potentially his farewell game in the Inter dugout.

Heavily linked with a lucrative move to Al-Hilal, Inzaghi may be overseeing his last game as Inter manager. Standing on the opposite side of the spectrum are perennial Ligue 1 champions PSG. Quality is bursting at the seams as Les Parisiens bid to win their first Champions League trophy.

Here are four crucial matchups that could shape the outcome of the Champions League final.

Denzel Dumfries vs Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Denzel Dumfries destroyed Barcelona in both semi-final legs, proving an invaluable attacking asset despite playing on the wing. His overlapping runs down the flank and well-documented aerial prowess proved too hot to handle for Hansi Flick’s charges.

However, the Dutchman is not only impressive in the offensive phase. He is equally outstanding at the back, reaffirming his defensive credentials against leading Ballon d’Or contender Raphinha. The high-flying 29-year-old right-back will face a familiar foe in Munich.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia used to tear Serie A defenses up at will during his glory days at Napoli. The Georgian winger has been remarkable since joining PSG in January, quickly establishing himself as an indispensable starter. Furthermore, he has been instrumental in Les Parisiens’ knockout success, netting two goals and delivering two assists in eight matches.

Therefore, if Inzaghi is to deny one of PSG’s main attacking threats, he’ll need Dumfries at his best.

Nicolo Barella vs Joao Neves

Needless to say, Nicolo Barella has been Inter’s driving force in the engine room. The diminutive superstar’s tireless work ratio and superb playmaking skills make him one of Europe’s finest box-to-box midfielders.

Indeed, Barella combines relentless pressing with vision and precision, often dictating the tempo of Inter’s build-up and acting as the heartbeat of Inzaghi’s system. His ability to shift from defense to attack with unrivaled success makes him a vital asset.

Yet, Joao Neves has defied his young age, becoming one of Europe’s most sought-after prospects. Calm under pressure, tactically disciplined, and gifted with exceptional ball control, Neves is a perfect prototype of a modern-day midfielder.

This intense midfield battle will be fascinating to watch.

Alessandro Bastoni vs Ousmane Dembele

Fresh off being crowned the best Serie A defender for 2024/25, Alessandro Bastoni is about to face one of Europe’s most in-form forwards. The Italian center-back fared well against Lamine Yamal, though the Barcelona prodigy gave him a run for his money in both legs.

Luckily for Inter, Bastoni’s pace and spatial awareness make him a perfect candidate to guard lightning-fast Ousmane Dembele. An outside Ballon d’Or favorite is having a dream season. In addition to topping the Ligue 1 scoring charts, the ex-Barca star has been remarkable at Europe’s top table.

Ambidextrous and totally unpredictable, Dembele is a nightmare for any defender. Indeed, he has gone to another level this season, striking fear into opponents’ hearts with supersonic speed and direct style of play. As such, Bastoni may have his hands full.

Lautaro Martinez vs Marquinhos

Last but not least, the eternal rivals will face each other on the grandest continental stage for the first time. Lautaro Martinez has equaled Hernan Crespo’s record for the most goals scored by an Inter player in one Champions League season (9), meaning he could achieve a piece of club history tonight.

Despite his see-saw domestic form, El Toro has always brought his A-game to Europe’s elite competition and will be looking to cap off a scintillating Champions League campaign in style. However, if there’s a defender capable of keeping the Argentine talisman at bay, it’s former Roma ace Marquinhos.

A seasoned European campaigner, Marquinhos is one of the world’s best center-backs. As a Brazilian, he will have an added motive to silence his South American counterpart on such a monumental occasion. From Inter’s attacking standpoint, this head-to-head battle could prove pivotal.