Inter Milan’s Collapse: Why the Nerazzurri’s Backline Crumbled in the Final

In what was supposed to be a night of validation, Inter Milan’s defense instead became the site of collapse. A 0-5 defeat to PSG in the 2024/2025 Champions League final was more than a crushing scoreline—it was a night where Inter’s usually solid backline was torn apart by pace, tactics, and the unrelenting mentality of their opponents. So what exactly went wrong?

Early Goals That Shattered Confidence

PSG struck first in the 12th minute and doubled the lead just eight minutes later. Two goals within 20 minutes didn’t just put Inter behind on the scoreboard—they inflicted a psychological blow. The team looked shaken. Focus evaporated. Their defensive structure loosened, and the mental pressure left players unsure and disoriented.

Left Flank: A Targeted Weakness

PSG intelligently exploited Inter’s left flank. Federico Dimarco and Henrikh Mkhitaryan struggled to cope with repeated attacks. The second and fourth goals came from this area, where the movement of Desire Doue and Kvaratskhelia caused constant chaos. Inter were outpaced, outmaneuvered, and out-focused.

Deadly Transitions and Relentless Pressing

PSG’s transition play was one of their most lethal weapons. Every Inter mistake or turnover was met with immediate high pressing and swift counterattacks. Players like Ousmane Dembele and Doue were constant nightmares. Inter never truly had a moment to reorganize their defensive lines.

Loss of Shape and Coordination

A team known for its defensive discipline, Inter lost its shape on the night. Chasing the game after going behind, they opened up too much space—ironically giving PSG more room to exploit. The backline looked disorganized, the coordination across units fell apart, and their formation lacked depth and compactness.

Outmatched by PSG’s Intensity

PSG played with high tempo and unified intensity. Inter appeared passive, slow to react, and overwhelmed. The sustained pressure repeatedly forced Inter defenders into one-on-one scenarios—situations they lost, both technically and physically.

PSG’s Ruthless Individual Performances

Beyond the tactical setup, PSG’s individual performances were exceptional. Desire Doue looked like a seasoned star, delivering two goals and an assist, while players like Vitinha, Dembele, and Kvaratskhelia created havoc every time they touched the ball in the final third.

Conclusion

Inter Milan’s defensive breakdown in the final wasn’t due to a single factor—it was a convergence of early pressure, structural disintegration, exposure of weak points, and the sheer quality of their opponents. This wasn’t just a defeat—it was a brutal lesson in what happens when a team loses composure and tactical sharpness on the biggest stage in European football.