The 2024/2025 UEFA Champions League Final is a clash of contrasting philosophies.
On one side, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), under Luis Enrique, have developed into an exciting, fluid attacking team, blending youthful dynamism with devastation.
On the other hand, Simone Inzaghi’s Inter Milan epitomises defensive resilience, constantly changing shapes, and ruthlessness in transition.
Both teams have earned their place in this final, overcoming unique challenges on their respective paths.
While PSG had to recover from a faltering group-stage campaign, Inter’s consistent defensive solidity saw them qualify comfortably for the knock-out rounds.
This tactical preview examines the contests tactical intricacies, focusing on where the game can be won or lost.
It also highlights the technical details that underpin both teams’ approaches.
Inter Milan: A Tactical Masterclass In Pragmatism
Inter Milan’s success this season has been founded on their ability to control games without dominating possession.
Simone Inzaghi has implemented a 3-5-2 system that prioritises compactness, low build-up play, constant rotations and frightening in transition.
Their structure is designed to minimise vulnerabilities while maximising opportunities in key moments.
Inter’s defence is their greatest strength.
Throughout their Champions League, they have spent only 16 minutes in a losing game state, which shows their ability to contain opponents and maintain control.
The back three of Alessandro Bastoni, Francesco Acerbi, and Yann Bisseck functions as a cohesive unit, with each player excelling in specific defensive roles.
Bastoni, in particular, plays a big role due to his contributions to Inter’s build-up play.
His 5.5 progressive passes and 2.05 progressive carries per 90 minutes place him among Europe’s elite ball-playing defenders.
His ability to bypass pressure and distribute into advanced zones opens up opportunities for their wing-backs to attack space, as shown in the semi-final versus Barcelona.
export 2025 05 30T021621.025export 2025 05 30T021736.540export 2025 05 30T021943.473Inter’s wing-backs, Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco, play a dual role in ensuring defensive width and providing an attacking outlet.
Dumfries, with his athleticism and timing of forward runs, is dangerous.
He
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