Simone Inzaghi dismisses Saudi Arabia move talk ahead of Champions League final

Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi says he is focused on the final against PSG, calling exit rumors 'mad' amid Al-Hilal interest.

Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi speaks during a press conference on the club’s media day ahead of the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, in Appiano Gentile, Italy, on May 26, 2025. Photo by Piero Cruciatti/AFP

By Widya Putri and Yuni Utomo

Simone Inzaghi has rejected mounting speculation that he is set to leave Inter Milan for a lucrative deal in Saudi Arabia, insisting his full attention is on Saturday’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. The Inter boss, who has led his team to their second European final in three seasons, is reportedly a top target for Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, who are prepared to offer a two-year contract worth €50 million ($57 million).

However, Inzaghi brushed off the transfer rumors during Friday’s press conference, saying it would be “mad” to consider anything other than the task at hand.

“It’s the same thing every year,” Inzaghi told reporters. “When I was at Lazio, and now at Inter, there are always rumors from Italy and abroad. But it would be mad to think about that now. I’m really happy at Inter.”

Simone Inzaghi Saudi Arabia move continues to generate buzz, but the 48-year-old Italian coach remains calm in the spotlight, just as he has throughout his time with the Nerazzurri.

Inter’s rollercoaster season hangs on Champions League success

Despite a strong campaign across competitions, Inzaghi’s Inter enter Saturday’s final in Munich facing the risk of ending the season without silverware. Inter finished second in Serie A, just behind champions Napoli after a thrilling title race that went down to the final day. Their domestic cup journey also ended in heartbreak, with AC Milan knocking them out in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia.

That leaves only the Champions League as Inter’s final shot at a trophy in 2024–25. Inzaghi, who guided Inter to the final in 2023 before losing to Manchester City, knows the significance of this match for the club, for his career, and potentially for his future.

“Friday night won’t be a night like the others,” Inzaghi admitted. “The Champions League is the match that every coach dreams of. I didn’t reach this stage as a player, but thanks to my team, we’ve made it twice in three seasons.”

No distractions as Inzaghi commits to Inter Milan

While reports swirl around a possible Simone Inzaghi Saudi Arabia move, the Inter boss has remained publicly committed to the club. He revealed plans to hold post-match talks with the club's management, as he has done at the end of each season.

“We’ll sit down after the match and talk, just like always. The only goal is what’s best for Inter. If all the right conditions are in place, we’ll continue together.”

Inzaghi has proven to be one of the most resilient figures in European football. Despite being consistently linked with exits — both in Italy and now in Saudi Arabia — he continues to navigate the pressure and perform at the highest level.

A family legacy in European football

Saturday’s final could also provide a historic moment for the Inzaghi family. Simone’s older brother, Filippo Inzaghi, won the Champions League twice with AC Milan as a player. Now, Simone has a chance to match that feat as a coach.

“I’ll ask my parents and Pippo which one is more important — winning it as a player or coach!” he joked.

Inzaghi’s evolution as a tactician has mirrored the broader transformation of Inter Milan under his leadership. From a Serie A contender to a European powerhouse, Inter have grown in confidence, identity, and results under Inzaghi’s direction.

Thuram and Martinez ready for final showdown

Inzaghi confirmed that key forward Lautaro Martinez is fit and ready for Saturday’s showdown against PSG. The Argentine striker, who missed training earlier in the week, reassured reporters that he’s “100 percent fit.”

Marcus Thuram is set to partner Martinez up front, adding another family storyline to the final. His father, Lilian Thuram, was part of the France squad that won the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championship in 2000 but never won the Champions League. Marcus now has a chance to go one better.

“We talk every day,” said Thuram. “He’s a very active father who gives me a lot of advice. A Champions League final is special. Even more so because we’re playing PSG, the team from the city where I grew up.”

Thuram, who has scored 18 goals in all competitions this season, spent his early childhood in Parma before moving to Paris and beginning his youth career there in 2007.

Inter face powerful PSG side with European pedigree

Paris Saint-Germain are no strangers to the final stages of European competition. With stars like Kylian Mbappé and a world-class squad built for continental success, PSG represent a formidable opponent. Their tactical discipline under coach Luis Enrique has made them one of the top teams in Europe this season.

But Inter have proven their mettle. With a strong core, experienced defenders like Alessandro Bastoni and Stefan de Vrij, and a versatile midfield led by Hakan Çalhanoğlu, they are well-equipped for the challenge.

Despite the swirling rumors of a Simone Inzaghi Saudi Arabia move, the coach has kept the team laser-focused on one goal: lifting the Champions League trophy.

A defining night for Simone Inzaghi and Inter Milan

Saturday night in Munich will be a defining moment in Simone Inzaghi’s managerial career. Win, and he cements his place among the elite managers in Europe. Lose, and questions will resurface — not just about the season’s trajectory, but about whether he will still be on the Inter touchline next season.

The whispers about a Saudi Arabia move, led by Al-Hilal’s interest, will not go away. The Saudi Pro League has targeted several high-profile coaches and players in recent years, and Inzaghi, with his recent success and high-level experience, fits the profile.

But for now, the Inter coach insists all that matters is the final — a chance to rewrite the narrative and deliver glory for a club craving a return to European dominance.

Whether or not the Simone Inzaghi Saudi Arabia move materializes, Saturday’s final is set to be one of the most compelling chapters in the Italian coach’s career. And possibly, the start of a new era — either in Milan or beyond.