Why PSG might give Inter more trouble than Barcelona and Man City | OneFootball

Inter will head into the Champions League final with considerable experience against Europe’s elite in recent years – however, the level of difficulty posed by the current PSG side could surpass even that of Barcelona, faced in the recent semifinal, or Manchester City, who beat them 1-0 in the 2023 final in Istanbul.

While the French giants have suffered five defeats during their European campaign this season, they have gradually evolved into a balanced yet fearsome attacking side with few apparent weaknesses to exploit.

Against Barcelona and Manchester City, Inter possessed tactical advantages that made the Nerazzurri particularly tricky to face.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY – JUNE 10: Rodri of Manchester City and Edin Dzeko of FC Internazionale battle for a header during the UEFA Champions League 2022/23 final match between FC Internazionale and Manchester City FC at Ataturk Olympic Stadium on June 10, 2023 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

For example, both opponents played with a high back-line, which allowed Inter to find space and rapidly progress through the pitch on transitions and counter-attacks. Pep Guardiola’s side also struggled against defensive low blocks, one of the reasons Erling Haaland was so well contained by Francesco Acerbi on the night.

Why PSG may be Inter’s toughest challenge yet

In contrast, PSG’s combination of qualities is likely to add a new layer of complexity to Inter’s game plan.

In Munich, defending as a low, compact block may not be enough for the Nerazzurri to limit their rivals’ offensive potential, as Luis Enrique’s side seems to have the means to unhinge their defence regardless.

The constant involvement in attacks of two of Europe’s best full-backs, Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi, means Inter’s wing-backs, Federico Dimarco and Denzel Dumfries, will be regularly tested by repeated combinations and overlaps between PSG’s wide defenders and attacking wingers Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bradley Barcola.

Help from the likes of Nicolò Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in tracking back will be desperately needed, as a single lapse in concentration could create fatal gaps in Simone Inzaghi’s defensive wall.

PARIS, FRANCE – APRIL 09: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Paris Saint-Germain scores his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa FC at Parc des Princes on April 09, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Add to that Ousmane Dembélé’s mobility – something Acerbi is expected to struggle with compared to a more stationary number nine – and it’s clear why PSG’s setup looks capable of exposing Inter’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Moreover, the Ligue 1 champions’ ability to press aggressively when out of possession, along with their full-backs’ quick recovery runs, could complicate Inter’s phases with the ball.

The Nerazzurri will likely be forced to withstand suffocating pressure at several points during the game, often lacking the time or space to properly build their attacks. This could allow Luis Enrique’s team to regroup and defend compactly, something they have already proven capable of.

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 06: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale (L) celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Marcus Thuram (R) during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FC Barcelona at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

A top-level display from Inter’s midfielders will be absolutely crucial, especially in combination with the forwards, if they want to create quality chances. Equally important will be their clinical edge in front of goal, as scoring first could be the only way to force PSG to alter their approach, potentially leading them to take more risks and leave spaces open.