Introduction
PSG vs Inter Milan Lineups Whenever Paris Saint-Germain meet Inter Milan, the conversation always turns to more than just star names. It’s about how two elite clubs set up against one another, which players get the nod, and what those choices say about the managers’ plans. In this kind of heavyweight clash, especially in a Champions League knockout or final, lineups aren’t just a list of players — they’re a road map of how the game is going to be played.
Both PSG and Inter have distinctive styles. PSG are known for their high-tempo, attacking football, while Inter are renowned for their disciplined structure and swift counter-attacks. Looking at the starting elevens gives you a first glimpse into which philosophy is likely to dominate PSG vs Inter Milan Lineups.
In this article, we take a closer look at the lineups PSG and Inter Milan put on the field, what each selection meant, and how it shaped the game that followed.
PSG’s Starting XI
Defense Anchored by Experience
PSG vs Inter Milan Lineups up with Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, flanked by Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes as the full-backs, and Marquinhos with William Pacho in the center. This defensive setup gave the team a mix of experience and speed, vital for dealing with Inter’s two-man strike force. Hakimi and Mendes, both attack-minded, were tasked with pushing high up the pitch to stretch Inter’s wing-backs, while Marquinhos organized the back line and Pacho added stability.
This approach signaled intent. PSG vs Inter Milan Lineups weren’t content to sit back; they wanted their defenders to be the first point of attack, recycling the ball quickly and supporting midfielders. It’s a riskier style, but one PSG fans have come to expect.
Midfield Engine Room
In midfield, Luis Enrique went with Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Fabián Ruiz. This trio was designed to dominate possession. Neves brought energy and pressing ability, Vitinha acted as a connector between lines, and Ruiz offered composure and vision. Together they gave PSG a platform to play at their preferred tempo, keeping Inter pinned back and feeding the attacking players.
By picking three technically strong midfielders, PSG vs Inter Milan Lineups also signaled that they wanted to dictate play through the center rather than rely solely on wide players. This choice helped them keep control in a match where turnovers could have been costly.
Attack Built on Pace and Creativity
The front three was a bold mix: Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Doué’s inclusion, despite his youth, added unpredictability. Dembélé’s dribbling and directness kept Inter guessing, while Kvaratskhelia’s diagonal runs stretched the defense. This trio wasn’t just about scoring — it was about pressing, rotating positions, and constantly threatening Inter’s shape.
Inter Milan’s Starting XI
Back Three and Wing-Backs
Inter stuck to their trademark back three. Yann Sommer started in goal, with Benjamin Pavard, Francesco Acerbi, and Alessandro Bastoni making up the central defense. This gave them a solid base to deal with PSG’s wide threats. The wing-backs, Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco, were key to both defending and launching counter-attacks.
This setup has been Inter’s hallmark under Simone Inzaghi. It’s conservative in shape but can quickly become aggressive when the wing-backs push forward. Against a side like PSG, it was about staying compact and picking the right moments to break out PSG vs Inter Milan Lineups.
Midfield Five for Control
In the middle, Inter played Nicolò Barella, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Barella brought energy and pressing, Çalhanoğlu provided creativity and set-piece threat, and Mkhitaryan offered composure and tactical awareness. Together with the wing-backs, this gave Inter numbers in midfield to counter PSG’s trio.
This kind of shape allowed Inter to block passing lanes, frustrate PSG vs Inter Milan Lineups rhythm, and then launch direct attacks through the middle or flanks. It was a setup that depended on discipline and work rate.
Twin Strikers Up Front
Up front, Lautaro Martínez partnered with Marcus Thuram. Lautaro’s movement and finishing make him lethal, while Thuram’s power and pace add another dimension. Together they gave Inter a two-pronged attack that could capitalize on any mistakes PSG made while pushing forward.
What the Lineups Told Us
Both teams’ selections revealed their intentions. PSG wanted to press high, dominate possession, and stretch Inter wide. Inter wanted to stay compact, block the middle, and break quickly when the chance arose.
The midfield battle was central. PSG vs Inter Milan Lineups trio sought to control tempo; Inter’s five looked to disrupt it. Wide areas were also key. PSG’s full-backs versus Inter’s wing-backs was a duel that shaped much of the match.
Another telling sign was bench depth. PSG had younger, faster substitutes to change the game late on. Inter had more experienced but less explosive options. In a tight match, that difference can be decisive.
Conclusion
The PSG vs Inter Milan lineups for this high-stakes clash were more than just paper formations. They reflected two different philosophies — PSG’s proactive, attack-minded approach against Inter’s disciplined, counter-punching style.
Understanding these lineups gives fans a clearer picture of why the match unfolded as it did. Every player selection, every positional tweak, is a clue to the bigger story. And in football at this level, that story often decides who lifts the trophy at the end.
