Acerbi: ‘Inter felt we could win Champions League Final with PSG’ | OneFootball

Francesco Acerbi reveals how Inter reacted in the locker room after the 5-0 Champions League Final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. ‘We felt like we could win, but it was over almost the moment it started.’

The Nerazzurri were in their second Champions League Final in just three years, a remarkable achievement for a side that was put together on a very limited budget compared to many of their opponents.

Having eliminated Bayern Munich and Barcelona along the way, confidence was high, but Acerbi admits that might’ve ultimately been a problem.

Acerbi had high hopes for Champions League Final

epa12147916 (L-R) Goalkeeper Yann Somer, Alessandro Bastoni, Federico Dimarco, and Francesco Acerbi of Iner after conceding the 0-2 goal during the UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Internazionale Milano in Munich, Germany 31 May 2025. EPA-EFE/FILIP SINGER

“After the match, we looked at each other and weren’t even angry, because it was over almost the moment it started,” the defender told Sky Sport Italia.

“I saw mental fatigue. We used up so much mental energy along the way. A week after the Scudetto was decided, we felt that after beating Bayern Munich and Barcelona, we could really win this. Many people said we were the favourites, we felt that pressure.

“We arrived at the end of the season having been emptied out, whereas PSG were so well prepared, they played the perfect game and there wasn’t much we could do about it. When we were 2-0 down, if we’d got one back, it might’ve changed, but we just not at 100 per cent that night. We lost, deservedly.”

epa12078775 FC Inter’s Francesco Acerbi (L) scores the 3-3 goal during the UEFA Champions League semifinal 2nd leg soccer match between Inter Milan and FC Barcelona, in Milan, Italy, 06 May 2025. EPA-EFE/DANIEL DAL ZENNARO

The Champions League had been such a thrilling journey until then, above all the chaotic pair of 3-3 draws with Barcelona in the semi-final, ultimately decided in extra time.

It was Acerbi’s goal that forced extra time in that second leg at San Siro, scored wearing a boot that had a hole in it.

However, he assures this was not some affectation or a matter of superstition, rather of comfort.

“I’d made the hole in the boot because I had a badly bruised toe, it was black with all the bruising, and it hurt. So I cut a hole in it to give it more room, I’d started doing that in November.

“I’ve always had pain with boots and if they’re comfortable, that’s more important than looking nice. I am of the older generation, we play at any time, in any condition,” revealed Acerbi.

Francesco Acerbi boots with hole in for Inter

The 37-year-old is still going strong, which is all the more remarkable considering he twice battled cancer.

“I had a football rebirth after my illness. It was not easy, but that’s where you learn to deal with things larger than yourself, accept them, and try to find the positive. Living a healthy life isn’t just about going to bed early or never drinking wine, it’s about knowing what you really want out of life.

“It’s about not seeking alibis, because those just suck you into this negative vortex that it’s hard to get out of. We must always look inside ourselves and try to improve.”