The Athletic FC Podcast: Champions League Final Preview – PSG vs. Inter Milan

Release Date: May 30, 2025

In this episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, host Ayo Akimulere delves deep into the highly anticipated Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Milan. Joined by James Horncastle, the Italian football correspondent, and Tom Williams, a French football specialist, the discussion offers comprehensive insights into both teams' journeys, tactical approaches, key players, and what the final holds for each club.

1. Setting the Stage: Munich as the Final Venue

Timestamp: [02:21]

Ayo opens the discussion by highlighting Munich's rich footballing heritage, noting its significance as "the beating heart of Bavaria" and its history of hosting memorable finals. James Horncastle emphasizes Munich's importance by recalling that it was the venue where a French team, Marseille, secured their only Champions League title against AC Milan. He adds, “It's a great football city with a great venue as well” ([03:42]).

Tom Williams adds context by comparing the current final to the one held in Munich during the COVID era in 2020, emphasizing the vibrant atmosphere this time around with thousands of fans expected to fill the city. He notes, “The Eiffel Tower is being specially illuminated and is going to be lit up in PSG colors” ([05:00]).

2. PSG's Season and Champions League Journey

Timestamp: [04:02]

Tom Williams reflects on PSG's dramatic season, highlighting their precarious position in the league until late matches and a pivotal home victory against Manchester City in January that “propelled them onto the right path” ([04:02]). He discusses PSG's resilience despite setbacks, such as their initial loss to Liverpool and the challenging second leg against Aston Villa.

Williams commends PSG's current form, stating, “They feel about as confident and look about as solid and as convincing as they probably have” ([08:03]). He credits manager Luis Enrique for instilling authority and creating a cohesive team, marking a significant shift from PSG's previous reliance on star power.

James Horncastle concurs, noting PSG's transformation under Enrique, highlighting their ability to adapt and overcome challenges: “They have been tested… generally huge excitement” ([04:55]).

3. Inter Milan's Season and Champions League Journey

Timestamp: [10:14]

James Horncastle provides a detailed overview of Inter Milan's season, emphasizing their remarkable Champions League run despite a challenging domestic campaign. He highlights Inter’s consistency, particularly their defensive prowess, conceding only once during the league phase. Horncastle remarks, “They are a genuine elite team in European football” ([06:19]).

He further explains the significance of Inter's Champions League journey, mentioning their victories over Bayern Munich and Barcelona, where they scored 11 goals in total. Horncastle underscores Inter's tactical flexibility and offensive strength, countering the stereotype of Italian teams being overly defensive.

4. Tactical Analysis: PSG vs. Inter Milan

Timestamp: [18:13]

The podcast transitions into a tactical breakdown of both teams. Tom Williams discusses PSG's tactical evolution under Luis Enrique, particularly the shift to deploying Usman Dembélé as a false nine, which has revitalized their attacking options. He notes, “This feels like the most cohesive PSG team that we've seen” ([08:16]).

James Horncastle provides insight into Inter’s tactical setup, praising manager Simone Inzaghi for modernizing the team. He highlights Inter's fluidity, positional interchanges, and their aggressive attacking style. Horncastle states, “It's a team that likes to dominate its opponents and take the game to them” ([19:45]).

Both analysts agree that the match will be a fascinating clash of PSG's structured attacking approach against Inter's dynamic and resilient gameplay.

5. Key Players to Watch

Timestamp: [29:22]

The discussion shifts to individual performances, focusing on standout players:

• Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan): Renowned for his dual threat as an attacking fullback, Dumfries has been pivotal in Inter’s success, contributing multiple goals and assists. James Horncastle praises his versatility: “He can score goals as well. You know, he's as good attacking as he is defending” ([29:43]).

• Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan): Celebrated for his consistent goal-scoring ability, Lautaro is described as “the ideal strike partner for any striker” ([34:26]). His performances in crucial matches, including scoring in big games, make him a key player to watch.

• Usman Dembélé (PSG): Highlighted as a game-changer for PSG, Dembélé’s role as a false nine has been instrumental in PSG's attacking success. Tom Williams remarks, “He has been finally fulfilling that potential” ([31:58]).

• Ashraf Hakimi (PSG): Recognized for his offensive contributions, Hakimi is a significant threat from the backline, with multiple goals and assists in the tournament. His ability to create scoring opportunities is emphasized ([27:22]).

6. Goalkeeping Showdown

Timestamp: [38:33]

Ayo and his guests turn their attention to the goalkeepers:

• Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG): Despite past criticisms, Donnarumma has risen to the occasion in the Champions League, making crucial saves and displaying improved aggressiveness since a facial injury earlier in the season. Tom Williams notes, “He is playing like one of the best goalkeepers in the world again” ([38:33]).

• Jan Oblak (Inter Milan): Celebrated for his exceptional performances, Oblak has been a cornerstone of Inter’s defense. James Horncastle highlights his remarkable saves, stating, “We've never had goalkeepers recognized for their jobs until now” ([41:16]).

Both goalkeepers are anticipated to play pivotal roles in the final, potentially tipping the scales in their teams' favor.

7. Betting Insights and Predictions

Timestamp: [27:05]

The episode includes a segment with Alex Boyes, who provides betting insights for the final:

• Odds Favorability: PSG is favored at 6 to 10 odds, while Inter Milan stands at 13 to 10 ([27:22]).

• Key Bets: Boyes suggests considering bets on Ashraf Hakimi for goals or assists, as well as Jan Oblak for making multiple saves, and Denzel Dumfries for committing fouls ([27:05]).

• Historic Context: He mentions that all previous finals held in Munich resulted in first-time Champions League winners, potentially favoring PSG to make history this year ([27:22]).

8. The Importance of the Final for Both Clubs

Timestamp: [45:39]

James Horncastle and Tom Williams discuss the broader implications of the final for PSG and Inter Milan:

• Inter Milan: Winning the Champions League would not only solidify their status as an elite European club but also rejuvenate their legacy, especially after years dominated by Juventus. Horncastle notes, “If they lose, they're going to be able to rejuvenate this team, invest in infrastructure” ([46:08]).

• PSG: For PSG, securing their first Champions League title would transform their identity from a club reliant on superstars to one respected for their strategic growth and cohesive team play. Tom Williams asserts, “What winning the Champions League would give PSG is the same thing that it gave Manchester City in 2023” ([48:00]).

Both analysts agree that the outcome of the final will have lasting impacts on the clubs' futures, fan bases, and standing in European football.

9. Conclusion: A Battle of Titans

Timestamp: [53:25]

Ayo wraps up the episode by acknowledging the exceptional performances of both teams throughout the tournament. With both PSG and Inter Milan showcasing tactical brilliance and resilience, the final promises to be a spectacular showdown. He remarks, “I'm just thinking about the age profile of this Inter team versus obviously the PSG team and what winning this Champions League would mean to this team” ([45:39]).

Tom Williams echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of this final and the high stakes for both clubs: “If they win, then they've achieved the one thing that has proved beyond them ever since the Qataris took over in 2011” ([53:25]).

Notable Quotes:

• James Horncastle:

  • “It's a great football city with a great venue as well” ([03:42]).
  • “They are a genuine elite team in European football” ([06:19]).
  • “He is playing like one of the best goalkeepers in the world again” ([41:16]).

• Tom Williams:

  • “They feel about as confident and look about as solid and as convincing as they probably have” ([08:03]).
  • “He has been finally fulfilling that potential” ([31:58]).
  • “What winning the Champions League would give PSG is the same thing that it gave Manchester City in 2023” ([48:00]).

• Ayo Akimulere:

  • “I'm just thinking about the age profile of this Inter team versus obviously the PSG team and what winning this Champions League would mean to this team” ([45:39]).
  • “I'm just thinking about the age profile of this Inter team versus obviously the PSG team and what winning this Champions League would mean to this team” ([53:25]).

Final Thoughts:

The Champions League final between PSG and Inter Milan is set to be a historic clash, showcasing the culmination of two distinct footballing philosophies. PSG's structured, cohesive team under Luis Enrique faces Inter’s dynamic and resilient squad managed by Simone Inzaghi. With both teams eager to etch their names in European history, fans can expect a thrilling encounter filled with tactical masterstrokes, exceptional individual performances, and high-stakes drama.

For more in-depth analysis and coverage of the biggest stories in football, tune into The Athletic FC Podcast available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.