The upcoming Champions League final at the Allianz Stadium presents a monumental occasion, particularly for several Inter Milan players who may view this as their ultimate opportunity for European glory. Standing at the forefront of this sentiment is veteran defender Francesco Acerbi. At 37 years and 110 days, a victory against Paris St-Germain would make him the third-oldest player to win the competition, a prospect that fills him with a mix of calm and growing tension as the match approaches.

Acerbi's contribution to Inter's journey has been pivotal, highlighted by his improbable 92nd-minute winner against Barcelona in the semi-final – his first-ever goal in a Uefa club competition, scored with his weaker foot. This moment has fueled belief that this could be Inter's year. "I’m calm, but also agitated," Acerbi confessed. "The closer it gets the more tense I feel. We hope it will be a beautiful final but in the end the important thing is lifting the cup … It’s a thing that drives you out of your mind, gives you goosebumps. I would do anything to lift it."

Inter's path to the final has been set against a backdrop of a challenging domestic season. Six weeks ago, the possibility of ending the season without silverware seemed remote as they led Serie A and were in contention for both European and domestic cups. However, a heavy defeat to Milan in the Coppa Italia and the surrender of the Serie A title to Napoli – who benefited from playing 17 fewer games across all competitions – marked a downturn. Despite playing some of the best football in Italy, Inter were ultimately undone by fatigue and moments of inattentiveness, while Napoli's triumph was characterized by efficiency and ruthlessness.

Conversely, Inter's Champions League campaign has been largely impressive. Many argue they have been the most consistent side throughout the tournament, especially considering Paris St-Germain's near-exit in the group stages. As close as Inter came to elimination against Barcelona – a match saved by Acerbi's late heroics – they have only been in losing positions for a total of 16 minutes through this entire competition. This figure even includes the six minutes spent trailing Bayern Munich in the second leg of the quarter-final while the aggregate score was tied. Simone Inzaghi’s Nerazzurri are a special team: tactically innovative, flexible, packed with exceptional talent, yet acutely aware that this impressive run could culminate in an empty trophy cabinet if they falter in the final.

"In a final there is no chance to fix things [if they go wrong]," manager Simone Inzaghi stated, emphasizing the need for "running, aggression and determination." The team believes they are better prepared than when they faced Manchester City in the 2023 final. Players and coaches have consistently spoken of the maturity gained from that loss. "We lost that final, but it allowed us to mature a lot," said captain Lautaro Martínez. "I think we arrive now perfect in every aspect. It’s almost all the same team we had in Istanbul." Indeed, as many as nine players from that 2023 final could feature against PSG.

This experience, however, is a double-edged sword. Acerbi is not the only veteran in the squad; Henrikh Mkhitaryan is 36, Matteo Darmian is 35, and goalkeeper Yann Sommer, signed to replace André Onana, is also 36, albeit ageing like the finest wine. This contributes to a palpable "now or never" atmosphere surrounding this group, amplified by speculation about Inzaghi's own future.

Reports of a potential move for Inzaghi to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League have circulated, with one veteran Sky Sport pundit imagining him “bathing in money like Scrooge McDuck.” However, the manager has dismissed such talk as premature. "Right now, it would be crazy to think about that," Inzaghi said, affirming his strong relationship with the club's directors and owners, Oaktree Capital Management. He indicated discussions about his future would occur after the final. This situation evokes memories of 2010, when José Mourinho led Inter to Champions League glory before promptly departing for Real Madrid. However, Inter's president, Beppe Marotta, expressed optimism that Inzaghi's tenure is not over, with reports suggesting the club might offer a substantial transfer budget to retain him.

A significant transfer budget would mark a shift from Inter's recent strategy. Under Inzaghi, the club's most expensive signings have been around the €30 million mark for players like Benjamin Pavard and Davide Frattesi. Concurrently, Inter has frequently sold key players, such as Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi (to PSG), to balance their finances. Despite this, the club has demonstrated extraordinary acumen in recruiting replacements at bargain prices. Denzel Dumfries, acquired for under €15 million, has been a standout performer, while Marcus Thuram, a free agent signing, has become a crucial attacking partner for Lautaro Martínez, contributing significantly with 27 combined goals and assists in the 2024-25 season.

The reliance on astute, low-cost recruitment is perhaps reflected in Inter's use of the smallest squad in Serie A this season. This has led to questions about whether Inzaghi's ambition to compete on all fronts was sustainable given the squad's depth, especially considering their late-season fatigue and failure to secure domestic silverware.

Ultimately, any domestic shortcomings may be overshadowed if Inter emerge victorious on Saturday, becoming the first Italian club to lift the Champions League trophy since their own triumph under Mourinho 15 years ago. Defender Alessandro Bastoni encapsulated the sentiment: "We have an appointment with history. This match can change our careers." For younger players like Bastoni, 26, future opportunities may arise. But for veterans like Acerbi, who has "won a league title before" and would "always choose the Champions League final" over another scudetto, this match represents a potentially final chance at the pinnacle of European football.