Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi has played down widespread rumors linking him to a lucrative move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, insisting his focus remains fully on the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) this Saturday.
Speculation about a potential two-year deal worth €50 million ($57 million) emerged just as Inter prepared for their second European final in three seasons. However, Inzaghi called it “mad” to discuss his future before the decisive match, emphasizing that he is “really happy” at Inter.
“It’s the same thing every year, whether I was at Lazio or here at Inter, there are always rumors from Italy and abroad. But I think it would be mad to think about that now,” Inzaghi said. “After the match, we’ll sit down and talk as we always have, with what’s best for Inter being the only goal. If all the pieces are in place, we’ll move forward together.”
Inzaghi admitted that the Champions League final in Munich would be a nerve-wracking occasion. With Inter having narrowly missed out on a Serie A title and being eliminated from the Italian Cup, the European trophy represents their last shot at silverware this season.
“Friday night won’t be like any other night… the Champions League is the match every coach dreams of but doesn’t get to experience often,” he said. “I didn’t reach it as a player, but thanks to my squad, we’ve managed to get there twice in three seasons.”
The final holds extra significance for Inzaghi personally, as he could become the second member of his family to win the Champions League after his older brother Filippo, a two-time champion with AC Milan. When asked whether winning as a player or coach is more important, Inzaghi joked he’d “ask my parents and Pippo.”
Inzaghi also confirmed that striker Lautaro Martinez will be fit for the final, with the Argentina forward later stating he is “100 percent fit.” Marcus Thuram is expected to partner Martinez in attack, provided he remains injury-free.
Thuram, whose father Lilian was part of France’s 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship-winning teams, aims to surpass his father’s best club achievement of winning the UEFA Cup. The forward acknowledged the significance of facing PSG—a team from the city where he grew up—and the challenge posed by their top-tier squad.
“A Champions League final is special, especially against PSG, a team with a great coach, players, and philosophy,” Thuram said. “They’ve proven they’re one of the best teams in Europe.”
As Inter Milan and PSG prepare to battle for the coveted trophy, all eyes remain on Inzaghi to guide his team to glory—and to clarify his future once the final whistle blows.
