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The Champions League Final is just hours away, and both PSG and Inter Milan are sweating over crucial team selections that could decide European glory.
With kick-off set for 20:00 UK time on Saturday in Munich, this marks the first competitive meeting between these football giants – and the drama is already building.
PSG’s £50M Dilemma
Luis Enrique faces a tactical nightmare that he’ll carry right until kick-off. The Spanish boss must choose between 20-year-old Désiré Doué and 22-year-old Bradley Barcola for his attacking trident.
The numbers tell an intriguing story:
MUNICH, GERMANY – MAY 30: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Paris Saint-Germain makes a save during a Paris Saint-Germain training session ahead of the UEFA Champions League Final 2025 between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Internazionale Milano at Munich Football Arena on May 30, 2025 in Munich, Germany.
Doué’s season:
- 13 goals and 15 assists in 53 games
- Only 3 Champions League goals all season
- Just 1 goal in his last 6 European matches
- Turns 20 next Tuesday
Barcola’s credentials:
- 3 goals and 3 assists in Champions League
- Also only 1 goal in last 6 European fixtures
- The 22-year-old appears to be Enrique’s favourite
Both will complete PSG’s fearsome front three alongside Ousmane Dembélé and ex-Napoli sensation Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Inter’s Pavard Fitness Race
Simone Inzaghi has his own selection crisis brewing. Benjamin Pavard is fighting to prove his fitness after spraining his ankle against Roma on April 27.
MUNICH, GERMANY – MAY 30: Simone Inzaghi, Head Coach of FC Internazionale, gives instructions to the players during a FC Internazionale training session ahead of the UEFA Champions League Final 2025 between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Internazionale Milano at Munich Football Arena on May 30, 2025 in Munich, Germany.
The 29-year-old French defender has missed Inter’s last 4 matches but could start ahead of Yann Bisseck if he passes a final medical assessment.
“The medical staff will help me make the choice,” Inzaghi confirmed, with just hours remaining before team sheets are submitted.
Lautaro Returns for Inter
There’s better news for the Nerazzurri as Lautaro Martinez returns to the starting XI after injury. The Argentine striker will partner Marcus Thuram upfront, giving Inter their preferred attacking partnership.
The wing-back combination of Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco provides width, while the midfield trio remains unchanged.
Full Squad Strength
Both teams head into this historic final with virtually full squads available – a rarity at this stage of the season. After months of injury concerns and rotation, having maximum options could prove decisive.
The absence of any major injury worries means both managers can select their strongest possible XIs, setting up what promises to be a tactical masterclass.
The Predicted Line-Ups
PSG (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Barcola, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia
Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Thuram
What’s at Stake
This final represents more than just European glory. For PSG, it’s validation of their project after years of Champions League heartbreak. For Inter, it’s a chance to add to their rich European heritage.
With both teams at full strength and key tactical battles brewing, Saturday’s showdown in Munich promises to deliver the drama befitting football’s biggest stage.
The clock is ticking, and two of Europe’s finest are ready to make history.
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