The Age Advantage: Inter’s Veteran Squad

Inter Milan boasts the oldest squad in the Champions League,with an average age of 29.6 years. This experience could prove crucial in a high-stakes match.The team’s veteran presence was evident in their semi-final clash against FC Barcelona, where their maturity helped them overcome a younger, albeit talented, opponent.

The contrast in experience between the two finalists is notable. At the beginning of September, PSG had one of the youngest squads in the Champions League. They were also the most juvenile collective at the quarter-finals stage.

key Players and Tactical Prowess

Inter’s semi-final victory against FC Barcelona showcased the team’s resilience and tactical flexibility. Despite trailing 3-2 at Giuseppe Meazza in the return leg (6-5 on aggregate for Barcelona), Inter found a way to win. A pivotal moment came when Francesco Acerbi, the 37-year-old central defender, surged forward to score a crucial goal in extra time, capitalizing on a cross from Dumfries.Davide Frattesi, 25, then sealed the victory with the winning goal.

Several Inter players pose a notable threat to PSG. The attacking duo of Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram, both 27, have been in stellar form, combining for 40 goals this season across all competitions. This is a more experienced attacking force than PSG’s, which includes players such as Dembélé (26), KVaratskhelia (24), Barcola (22), and Doué (19).

Defensive stalwarts and Midfield Maestros

Inter’s defense features a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents.Alongside Acerbi (37), the defensive lineup includes Denzel Dumfries (29), Federico Dimarco (27), and Benjamin Pavard (29). Younger players like Bastoni (26) and Bisseck (24) add dynamism to the backline. Bisseck was the youngest player in Inter’s lineup against Barcelona in the semi-final return leg,while Désiré Doué (19) was the youngest Parisian player on the field during their match against Arsenal.

The Nerazzurri midfield is a blend of quality and experience, anchored by the trio of Barella (28), Çalhanoğlu (31), and Mkhitaryan (36). This midfield trio also played in the Champions League 2022-2023, a edition which had also seen the finalist inter Milan.

A History of European Finals

Inter Milan’s journey to the Champions League final is not an isolated event. The team has a recent history of competing in major European finals. By reaching the last stage of the competition this year, the nerazzurri competed in their 3rd European Cup final in 6 years. In 2020, Inter reached the Europa League final, losing 3-2 to FC Sevilla. Three players from that 2020 squad-Bastoni, Barella, and Martinez-are likely to feature in the starting eleven against PSG.

Three years later, Inter Milan reached the Champions League final against Manchester City. After a hard battle against the Cityzens, the Nerazzurri lose the match on the smallest of the scores (1-0).The continuity in inter’s squad is striking. Eight players who played against Manchester City in the 2023 Champions League final also featured in the semi-final return leg against Barcelona.

Champions League Experience: PSG vs. Inter

Despite Inter’s older average age (29.6 years compared to PSG’s 23.6 years), PSG players have slightly more Champions League experience individually. When taking eleven types of two teams, Paris accumulates 42 Champions League matches on average, when Inter points to 39 C1 meetings on average. Lautaro martinez has played the most Champions League matches for Inter (57 matches). Though, three PSG players-Marquinhos (91 matches), dembélé (65 matches), and hakimi (63 matches)-have more individual experience in the competition.