Davide Frattesi sent Inter Milan into the Champions League final in dramatic fashion on Tuesday night, firing home an extra-time winner that sealed a pulsating 4-3 victory over Barcelona and a 7-6 aggregate triumph under the rain-soaked lights of the San Siro.
The Italian midfielder lashed in the decisive goal in the 99th minute, capping off an unforgettable night and sparking euphoric celebrations among Inter’s faithful. The win booked Inter a ticket to Munich, where they will face either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain later this month, with hopes of clinching a fourth European crown.
The result salvaged a turbulent season for Simone Inzaghi’s side, who had seen their domestic ambitions crumble following their quarter-final victory over Bayern Munich. Napoli have surged ahead in Serie A, and a painful Italian Cup exit to AC Milan had further dimmed the outlook until now.
Barcelona, chasing a historic quadruple, were just minutes from progressing when Raphinha’s 88th-minute strike handed them a 3-2 lead on the night, overturning a two-goal halftime deficit. But Francesco Acerbi shocked the visitors with a last-gasp equaliser in the 92nd minute, turning in Denzel Dumfries’ cross and breathing new life into Inter’s European dream.
Earlier, Inter had gone into the break with a 2-0 lead thanks to a superb strike from Lautaro Martinez and a penalty from Hakan Calhanoglu. But Barca roared back in the second half, with Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo both finishing off exquisite passes from Gerard Martin to level the match at 2-2 before Raphinha’s go-ahead goal.
Inter’s survival owed much to Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who delivered a string of breathtaking saves, including a near-impossible stop to deny Garcia and another late in extra time from teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who also struck the post moments before Acerbi’s equaliser.
In one of the greatest Champions League ties in recent memory, Inter Milan ultimately prevailed, their resilience and grit earning them a second final appearance in three years and a chance to write their names into European football history once more.
What you should know
Inter’s path to the May 31, 2025, final at Munich’s Allianz Arena pits them against either Arsenal or PSG, with PSG holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg, bolstered by Ousmane Dembélé’s goal.
Inter, who lost the 2023 final to Manchester City, are buoyed by their “stirring journey of resolve,” as The Guardian noted, having overcome Bayern and Barcelona despite conceding six goals in the semi-final.
Frattesi’s composure in the Barcelona tie, despite an injury ruling him out of the prior weekend’s game, underscores his mental fortitude.
For Frattesi, a Champions League title would cap a meteoric rise, following his Serie A triumph in 2023-24 and Supercoppa Italiana win in January 2025.
His 20 caps for Italy, with six goals, including a brace against Ukraine in 2024, make him a cornerstone of the Azzurri’s future.
As Inter prepare for Munich, Frattesi’s knack for seizing critical moments could define not only his career but also Inter’s quest for a fourth European crown.
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM VERILY NEWS
