As the clock ticks down to kick-off, all eyes are on San Siro where Inter Milan prepares to face Barcelona in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final. With the aggregate score tied at 3-3 from the thrilling first leg in Catalonia, the stakes couldn't be higher for both teams. Inter's coach, Simone Inzaghi, stands on the brink of making club history, and his players are ready to give their all in front of a sold-out crowd.
Published on May 6, 2025, this pivotal match marks a defining moment for Inzaghi, who could become the second manager in Inter's history to lead the team to two Champions League finals. The 49-year-old has already etched his name into the club's history despite a heartbreaking loss to Manchester City in the previous final. Now, he aims to further solidify his legacy by overcoming the formidable Barcelona.
Inter's recent performances have been a mixed bag, but they have shown resilience, especially at home. The team boasts a remarkable 16-match unbeaten streak in Champions League home outings, a stat that provides a glimmer of hope for the Nerazzurri as they prepare to defend their turf at the iconic Giuseppe Meazza. Inzaghi's men are coming off a morale-boosting 1-0 victory against Hellas Verona, a win that ended a frustrating five-game winless streak across all competitions.
Inzaghi believes his squad has what it takes to secure a spot in the final. Speaking to Sky Sport, he expressed his determination: "We’ll have to be very sharp, working as a team like we did in the first leg, knowing they have important players. We’ll try to limit them together." The coach emphasized the importance of teamwork and focus, stating, "It will take a huge performance. We need to be switched on and clearheaded. It’s almost a final, and we get to play it in front of our fans."
However, the match is not without its challenges. Inter is grappling with injuries to key players, including star striker Lautaro Martínez and defender Benjamin Pavard. Both players have been nursing injuries, with Pavard only recently returning to partial training. Inzaghi mentioned, "Lautaro has been out for a week, so we will see how he is… With Lautaro, it will all depend on how he feels." The uncertainty surrounding their availability adds another layer of tension to an already high-stakes encounter.
Barcelona, on the other hand, arrives in Milan with confidence and a wealth of attacking talent. The Catalan giants have scored an impressive 160 goals this season and are known for their possession-heavy style, averaging 81% possession in La Liga and 76% in the Champions League. Inzaghi is acutely aware of the threat posed by Barcelona's young sensation, Lamine Yamal, who has emerged as a standout player this season. After Yamal's stellar performance in the first leg, where he contributed a goal and an assist, Inzaghi remarked, "He’s such a quick thinker… even before receiving the ball, he knows what move to make. It’s difficult to handle him, we will try to limit the ball getting to him."
Inzaghi has devised a special tactic to counter Yamal's influence, stating, "We’ve prepared a special plan against him. We’ll try not to let him get the ball too often, but that’s almost impossible." The coach's strategy will likely involve two players closely marking Yamal to minimize his impact. However, he is also cautious not to overlook the other threats within Barcelona's squad, including Ferran Torres, who scored against Inter in the first leg.
As the teams prepare for kick-off, the atmosphere at San Siro is electric. Fans are eager to witness a match that promises to be a thrilling spectacle. The winner will advance to the Champions League final in Munich, facing either PSG or Arsenal, adding even more incentive for both sides to perform at their best.
Inzaghi and his players know that this match is more than just a game; it’s an opportunity to make history. "We are two games away from a possible trophy," Inzaghi stated, reflecting on the significance of this match. With the pressure mounting, he has urged his players to focus and remain composed. "We know titles are not a given because at the beginning of the season. Every year every team tries to win everything through hard work. We are competing again this year without having made choices or having put one competition before another, but with work this team tries to give satisfaction to our fans."
As the match approaches, the anticipation builds. Fans are hopeful that Inter can replicate their strong home form and secure a place in the final. Inzaghi's confidence in his team's abilities is palpable, and with the backing of their passionate supporters, Inter Milan is primed for a battle against one of the giants of European football.
The referee for this highly anticipated clash is Polish official Szymon Marciniak, and as the players take to the pitch, the world will be watching to see if Inter can overcome Barcelona and set the stage for a historic final.
