The upcoming 2024-25 UEFA Champions League final between Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain could potentially be Simone Inzaghi`s final match as manager of the Italian club. Uncertainty surrounds his future at Inter despite having a contract valid until 2026. Inzaghi confirmed during the pre-match press conference that he will hold discussions with the club about his situation the week following the final.
Inzaghi commented on his situation, stating, “`I feel good here. I have everything I need here to do well. We will sit down after the match next week with the club.`” Concurrently, reports indicate that Saudi club Al Hilal has presented a substantial offer, reportedly around $50 million, to appoint Inzaghi for the next three years. Nevertheless, the manager plans to defer his final decision until after the Champions League final, acknowledging that the result might affect his feelings and future considerations for the Nerazzurri bench.
Inzaghi took over at Inter in the summer of 2021, succeeding Antonio Conte, who departed after securing the 2020-21 Serie A title. That same summer saw Inter sell key players Achraf Hakimi and Romelu Lukaku, leading many to doubt their ability to challenge for the league title. Inzaghi defied these expectations. In his inaugural season, Inter finished second in Serie A and won both the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana, repeating this trophy success the following year. Although their Serie A performance was less consistent, Inzaghi`s Inter reached their first Champions League final in 13 years by defeating rivals AC Milan in the semifinal. Despite a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Istanbul final, the team`s European self-belief was restored. One year later, they clinched their 20th Serie A title, earning the coveted second star. In his fourth season, Inter placed second in the league again and were eliminated by AC Milan in the Coppa Italia semifinals, but they have another significant opportunity to claim Europe`s top prize as they prepare to face PSG on Saturday in Munich.
How to Watch the Champions League Final, Odds
- Date: Saturday, May 31 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Allianz Arena — Munich, Germany
- TV: CBS | Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Paris Saint-Germain +105; Draw +240; Inter +270
Over his four years in Milan, the Italian manager has experienced both successes and challenges. Many feel he could have secured at least one more Serie A title in addition to the one won this year. However, a notable improvement under Inzaghi has been the team`s confidence, particularly reflected in their European results. In four seasons, Inter has reached two Champions League finals, making Inzaghi only the second Inter manager to achieve this feat, following Helenio Herrera in the 1960s. Should Inter emerge victorious on Saturday, Inzaghi would equal both Herrera and Roberto Mancini in terms of the number of titles won at the club, reaching a total of seven.
Despite the achievements, there`s also a mixed sentiment regarding his overall tenure. Some believe he could have accomplished more. Furthermore, there`s a sense that the current season represents the conclusion of a cycle for the existing squad, with the American owners Oaktree reportedly planning changes in the summer of 2025 aimed at building a significantly younger team. Although the club reportedly hopes to retain Inzaghi for at least another year, his decision hinges solely on the outcome of the final. The immediate task is too monumental to dwell on what lies ahead for him.
