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Vice-president Javier Zanetti expressed his preference to avoid the record 14-time champions, Real Madrid, stating, "I would like to avoid Real Madrid because the competition seems made for them." Zanetti's sentiment reflects the awareness that Inter Milan will enter the final as underdogs, regardless of their opponents. Football journalist Guillem Balague went as far as calling Inter's achievement a "miracle," given the club's previous lack of success in recent decades.
Manager Simone Inzaghi expressed his pride in his team's accomplishments, acknowledging that the dream of reaching the Champions League final has become a reality. Inzaghi remarked, "It was an extraordinary path, and winning a derby in the semifinal like this brings great satisfaction." The victory over AC Milan in the European competition's first-ever Milan derby in 20 years added to the euphoria surrounding the team.
Inter Milan's star striker, Lautaro Martinez, shared his joy and described the experience as an incredible dream come true. He thanked his family and emphasized the beauty of the sport, stating, "This sport is the most beautiful thing in the world."
Despite Inter Milan's underdog status, football experts believe they have the potential to cause an upset in the final. Owen Hargreaves, a former Champions League winner with Manchester United, acknowledged the strength of Real Madrid or Manchester City but also recognized Inter Milan as a well-balanced team that could pose a problem for their opponents.
Inter Milan's journey to the final has been characterized by resilience and strong performances in the cup competitions. While they couldn't compete for the Serie A title this season, their organized style of play and eight clean sheets in the Champions League demonstrate their ability to rise to the occasion. European football expert Mina Rzouki echoed this sentiment, expressing that she wouldn't be overly confident in dismissing Inter Milan's chances against either Real Madrid or Manchester City.
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who lifted the trophy in 2005, also acknowledged Inter Milan's strength and their deserving place in the final. He stated, "They are tough to beat, they carry a threat. Whoever they face, they are in with a shout."
For Inter Milan, reaching the Champions League final is an emotional achievement that hasn't been experienced in over a decade. Javier Zanetti, a key member of Inter's 2010 Champions League-winning team, acknowledged the significance of the club's accomplishment. He said, "The most important thing is to get there; it was a difficult path."
As the stage is set for the Champions League final in Istanbul on June 10, Inter Milan prepares to script the next chapter of their fairytale journey. Regardless of the outcome, their remarkable run in the competition serves as an inspiration to football fans worldwide and a testament to the power of belief and determination.
