Simone Inzaghi leads Inter Milan to Champions League final against PSG
Inzaghi’s tactical mastery brings Inter Milan to second Champions League final in three years despite limited resources.
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| Head coach Simone Inzaghi of FC Internazionale looks on during a training session at the BPER Training Centre in Appiano Gentile, on May 26, 2025, in Como, Italy. Photo by Mattia Pistoia/Getty Images |
By Adila Ghina and Yuni Utomo
Simone Inzaghi leads Inter Milan to the Champions League final with hopes of claiming the most prestigious trophy in European club football. As his side prepares to face Paris Saint-Germain in Munich, Inzaghi stands on the cusp of etching his name among the greats in Inter’s storied history. This is his second final in just three seasons, a remarkable feat considering the financial strife and turbulent transitions the club has endured since he took the reins in 2021.
Under Inzaghi’s leadership, Inter have transformed from a club in crisis to one of Europe’s most dangerous and tactically disciplined sides. This season’s journey to the final, which includes memorable knockout victories, stands as a testament to Inzaghi’s capacity to create a unified, fearless squad despite working with aging players and a minimal transfer budget.
A coach shaped by hardship and resourcefulness
Simone Inzaghi’s success with Inter Milan is rooted in years of managing under challenging conditions. Unlike his older brother Filippo, a World Cup winner and multiple-time European champion, Simone had a quieter playing career. He spent most of his time at Lazio, where he was beloved for his loyalty more than his goal tally. That humble footballing background deeply influenced his coaching style: tactical, pragmatic, and team-first.
His managerial journey began with Lazio’s youth setup before he took over the senior team in 2016. Within a few years, Inzaghi led Lazio to silverware — winning the 2019 Coppa Italia and two Super Cups — and returned the club to Champions League contention. His work with limited resources and his ability to punch above Lazio’s weight earned him admiration across Italian football. So, when Antonio Conte walked away from Inter in 2021 after winning Serie A, Inzaghi became the natural candidate to steer the ship.
From crisis to Champions League final
Inzaghi inherited a team in disarray. The departure of Conte was quickly followed by the sales of Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi — the backbone of Inter’s Scudetto triumph. The club was reeling from financial distress under Chinese ownership group Suning, forcing a frugal approach to squad building. But where others may have floundered, Simone Inzaghi adapted.
Instead of protesting the loss of key players, he incorporated inexpensive replacements and found innovative tactical solutions. He established a cohesive unit that maximized every player’s strengths. Inter’s identity under Inzaghi became defined by flexibility, pressing, and defensive structure — an approach that has paid off again and again, most notably on Europe’s biggest stage.
Navigating financial constraints
Inter’s progress this season is all the more impressive given the club’s financial limitations. The forced takeover by American investment group Oaktree following Suning’s default on a €395 million loan left Inzaghi with little room to maneuver in the transfer market. The club relied heavily on free transfers and modest signings, bringing in Piotr Zielinski and Mehdi Taremi without transfer fees, and securing Nicola Zalewski on a loan deal.
Even those additions struggled to crack the starting XI, reinforcing just how reliant Inter has been on its core group of veterans. Key players like Francesco Acerbi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, both well into their 30s, have continued to play significant roles despite their age. With a shallow bench and mounting fixture congestion, Inzaghi has squeezed every drop of potential from his limited resources.
Redemption after Istanbul heartbreak
Last season’s Champions League final loss to Manchester City was a bitter pill. Despite putting in a courageous performance in Istanbul, Inter fell short by a single goal. That experience, however, hardened the team. It also gave Inzaghi valuable insight into the demands of competing at the highest level. Many expected Inter to fade this year, but instead, they have improved.
Inzaghi enters this final with more experience and possibly a more favorable matchup. Unlike City, who were at the peak of their powers in 2023, PSG have shown defensive frailties throughout their campaign. Inter’s compact defense, surgical counter-attacks, and cohesive midfield press could prove decisive.
Quiet brilliance, loud results
While Simone Inzaghi is not one to court the spotlight, his results speak volumes. In addition to reaching two Champions League finals, he has already won a Serie A title, three Coppa Italia trophies, and three Super Cups during his short time at Inter. These achievements, especially given the financial climate at the club, place him among the elite managers in Europe.
His contrast to Antonio Conte could not be more stark. Where Conte demanded transfers and often clashed with ownership, Inzaghi has been adaptable and collaborative. This approach has fostered stability and a sense of purpose within the dressing room, even as the club has weathered administrative upheaval and financial austerity.
Brotherhood and coaching legacy
Interestingly, Simone’s success at Inter comes at a time when his brother Filippo is preparing for a top-flight return with Pisa, having led the club to promotion. Despite the disparity in their managerial stages, the two brothers remain close, their careers taking divergent but admirable paths.
Simone’s quiet rise has been marked by consistent progress and a deep understanding of Italian football's tactical intricacies. At 48, he is still relatively young in managerial terms and has the potential to remain at the top for years to come. A Champions League title would not only validate his coaching philosophy but could also mark the beginning of a new era for Inter Milan.
A defining night in Munich
Saturday’s final against PSG is more than just a clash between two of Europe’s heavyweight clubs. It’s a defining moment for Simone Inzaghi and the legacy he’s building at Inter Milan. Leading a team assembled on a shoestring budget against a Qatari-funded powerhouse highlights the contrast in football’s economic landscape.
Yet in that contrast lies the beauty of Inzaghi’s story. It is one of resilience, intelligence, and understated leadership. Should Inter triumph in Munich, it will not simply be a victory for the club — it will be the crowning achievement of a manager who continues to defy expectations with grace and tactical brilliance.
As Simone Inzaghi leads Inter Milan to the Champions League final, he does so not just with hope but with the knowledge that he has already overcome obstacles far greater than any posed by his opposition. And now, with the world watching, he stands on the edge of greatness.
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