The Tactical Landscape of the 2025 Champions League Final: PSG vs Inter Milan Predicted Lineups and Key Player Availability
The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan promises a compelling clash, not only because of the prestige of the competition but also due to intriguing tactical battles shaped by player availability and managerial decisions. The predicted lineups strongly suggest a focus on defensive solidity, midfield control, and exploiting key attacking talents. Central to the narrative is the anticipated return of Benjamin Pavard for Inter Milan, which could be a decisive factor in a match of such fine margins.
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Inter Milan’s Defensive Backbone and Pavard’s Return
A major storyline centers on Benjamin Pavard, the French international whose fitness and inclusion in the starting XI for the final has attracted significant attention. After a period of recovery and cautious reintroduction, Pavard is expected to slot into one of three center-back roles alongside Alessandro Bastoni and veteran Francesco Acerbi. This trio forms the heart of Inter’s defense, offering a blend of experience, physicality, and tactical awareness.
The inclusion of Pavard, who brings composure, versatility, and ball-playing ability from the back, is pivotal. His presence stabilizes the defense and could allow Inter head coach Simone Inzaghi to maintain a high defensive line or execute quick transitions, knowing Pavard’s positioning and pace can cover spaces effectively. Complementing this setup is German defender Yann Bisseck, potentially featuring as a squad rotation option or tactical substitute, adding depth to Inter’s defensive options.
Goalkeeper Yann Sommer remains the defensive last line, whose performances throughout the tournament have been lauded for consistency and crucial saves. His experience provides confidence to the backline, which will be essential against the attacking threats PSG will unleash.
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Midfield Engine Room: Control and Creativity
Inter’s midfield is anticipated to function as the team’s “engine room,” with key figures like Hakan Çalhanoglu, Nicolò Barella, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan expected to run the show. This trio combines creativity, dynamic ball progression, and set-piece prowess. Barella’s tenacity and work rate offer both defensive support and attacking impetus, while Çalhanoglu and Mkhitaryan provide flair and threat in the final third.
On the flanks, wing-backs Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco are slated to provide width, defensive coverage, and supplementary attacking outlets. Their role will be crucial in both stretching PSG’s defense and in tracking back to support the back three, maintaining balance in the formation.
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Paris Saint-Germain: Defensive Rigidity and Attacking Versatility
PSG’s predicted lineup reflects a balanced approach with an emphasis on both defensive organization and offensive firepower. Gianluigi Donnarumma is projected to start in goal, anchoring a backline potentially featuring Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Juan Pablo Pacho, and Nuno Mendes. The inclusion of Marquinhos ensures leadership and defensive solidity, while the full-backs Hakimi and Mendes bring pace and crossing ability, vital for PSG’s attacking transitions.
Midfield roles likely fall to Vitinha, Ruben Neves, and Carlos Ruiz, a combination offering ball control, creativity, and long-range shooting opportunities. The frontline is ambitious and dynamic, featuring players like Armand Doue, Ousmane Dembélé, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. This trio brings a mix of dribbling, speed, and goal-scoring instincts that can unsettle Inter’s defense if afforded space and time.
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Tactical Battles and Key Matchups
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Impact of Player Fitness and Squad Depth
Recent reports indicate both sides enter the final with largely healthy squads, a significant advantage for a match of this magnitude. The availability of Benjamin Pavard and Piotr Zieliński enhances Inter’s lineup flexibility, giving Inzaghi more options to fine-tune his tactical approach. PSG’s fitness levels appear strong as well, allowing their star-studded lineup to execute intensive pressing and rapid transitions.
Deep squads on both sides hint at strategic substitutions, capable of shifting momentum or shoring up defenses in critical moments. Managing player energy over 90 minutes, or possibly extra time, will be essential.
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Conclusion: A Tactical Chess Match with Fine Margins
The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League final between PSG and Inter Milan is poised to deliver a chess match of tactical nuance, characterized by disciplined defending, creative midfield interplay, and potent attacking threats. Benjamin Pavard’s return to Inter’s starting XI is a storyline with the potential to tip the balance, offering defensive stability and enabling versatile tactical adjustments.
Both managers aim to leverage their best assets: PSG’s explosive frontline combined with a steady defense; Inter’s resilient backline and industrious midfield. With high stakes and both clubs hungry for glory, fans can anticipate a gripping encounter that will be decided by moments of individual brilliance and collective tactical execution.
This final is not just a battle for the Champions League trophy—it is a demonstration of strategic mastery, resilience, and the premium footballers place on fitness and form when it matters most.
