A pair of Inter Milan stars have had their say on the team they would most like to face in the Champions League final after edging past Barcelona in a thrilling semi-final.
High drama was forecast for the second leg at the San Siro, and a seven-goal thriller duly followed. Francesco Acerbi’s 93rd-minute equaliser forced an extra half hour of play, before Davide Frattesi struck in extra time to secure the Nerrazurri’s progression. They will face either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain in the final, the opponent to be confirmed at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.
Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer was key to Inter’s efforts, making 14 saves over the two legs and denying Lamine Yamal with a fingertip stop in extra time to keep Inter in front. He was named Player of the Match for his efforts, but was noncommittal when asked who he would rather face in the final, saying he and his teammates would simply enjoy their win.
Speaking at full time, he told Amazon Prime: “Both are good teams. We will see.
“We are enjoying this situation, this win tonight, then we watch tomorrow from the couch, and we will see who is our opponent.”
He continued, saying his extra time save from Yamal could rank among the most important of his career.
“He’s difficult to read, I am happy I was quick enough. For sure, one of the most important saves of my career.
“It gave us energy. We believed after this. We said now we have to do it, have to bring it home.”
His teammate Mateo Darmian, who replaced Yann Bisseck with 20 minutes of the ninety remaining, concurred, saying he was thrilled with Inter’s performance in a ‘crazy’ game and added that the Nerrazurri would face a titanic clash in the final, regardless of their opponent.
The former Man United defender started for Inter in the 2022/23 final, a 1-0 loss to Man City, and said he and his teammates are keen to put their Champions League demons to rest.
He said: “Everyone wants to lift the trophy. I think it will be difficult, but we will try because we deserve to be there.
“We could face two very good teams. I don’t know who will go through to the final, but both are very good teams.
“I hope this season we can lift the trophy.”
