Simone Inzaghi expressed pride in his Inter Milan team for successfully overcoming what he termed “the best two sides in Europe” in their remarkable journey to the club’s seventh European Cup final. Inter triumphed over Barcelona with a thrilling 4-3 victory in extra time, resulting in a 7-6 aggregate, while they previously eliminated Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.
As Inzaghi reflected on the semi-final accomplishments, he acknowledged the commendable talent and coaching prowess of potential finalists Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain, yet underscored the significance of defeating two formidable opponents like Munich and Barcelona. “We need to be proud of what we have done,” Inzaghi said, praising the high level of competition his team faced.
The match took a dramatic turn when defender Francesco Acerbi equalized in injury time, propelling the game into extra time, where Davide Frattesi scored the winning goal despite battling injury. Inzaghi noted Frattesi’s determination, having missed training due to his condition but stepping up to assist the team in such a crucial moment.
The path to the final hasn’t been smooth sailing, with injuries affecting key players like Denzel Dumfries, Lautaro Martínez, and Marcus Thuram. Inzaghi candidly admitted, “Yes, we suffered. But there is no final without a little suffering.”
Barcelona’s head coach, Hansi Flick, commended Inter’s resilience and promised improvement for his squad next season, underscoring their determination to aim for Champions League victory. Lautaro Martínez, who opened the scoring for Inter, conveyed his gratitude and excitement, stating, “I’m so happy, so proud, so grateful to fans and family. There is just one more step to go.”
On the defensive side, Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer earned player of the match honors with numerous critical saves, articulating a sense of pride in his team’s comeback. “We were already out, then we came back – we put everything on the pitch,” Sommer remarked, looking forward to the final while acknowledging the proficiency of both potential rivals.
This narrative illustrates Inter Milan’s resilience and teamwork in overcoming challenges, signalling a bright prospect for the upcoming final equipped with a blend of determination and strategic gameplay. The journey has been filled with obstacles, making their success even more inspiring as they prepare to face one final hurdle on their path to reclaiming European glory.