Acerbi and Inter ready to seize European glory

Inzaghi's side will be the underdogs in Munich but have learned plenty from heartache of defeat in 2023

- Nicky Bandini

Taking part in a Champions League final is not a thing anyone should take for granted, but some players more than others at the Allianz Stadium tomorrow will recognise that this might be their last chance.

Francesco Acerbi, at 37 years and 110 days, would become the third-oldest man to play in and win the competition's showpiece if he can help Inter beat Paris Saint-Germain.

"I'm calm, but also agitated," said the centre-back during the Italian club's media open day at the start of this week. "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."

It is thanks to him that Inter even have a chance. Acerbi's improbable 92nd-minute goal against Barcelona – his first goal in a Uefa club competition – forced their semi-final to extra time.

A moment that could make you believe this is simply their year.

But what if it isn't? The possibility that Inter could end this season without silverware seemed unthinkable six weeks ago, when they sat top of Serie A, with European and domestic semi-finals to come. Then they got thrashed by a mediocre Milan in the Coppa Italia and surrendered the league to Napoli – even blowing a chance to reclaim first place in the penultimate round when they gave away a last-minute penalty to Lazio. Inter played the best football in Italy this season. Napoli absolutely deserved the Scudetto, but theirs was a triumph of efficiency.

A strong argument can be made for Inter as the most impressive side through this Champions League. PSG were on course to miss the knockout phase entirely at the start of December.