Champions League Final: Yann Sommer looks to save Inter Milan's season of ‘almost' with European glory
Inter Milan's 36-year-old keeper has one last job to do in the Champions League final (Image via AP)
Under Simone Inzaghi, Inter Milan have staged what has been an incredibly dramatic run to the UEFA Champions League final. Separating them from a fourth title in Europe's premier club competition is Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) who are on the hunt for their first-ever crown.
Inter booked their place in the title clash after a dramatic extra-time win over Barcelona, but their recent form has taken a massive hit.
Days before taking on Barcelona, Inter were still in the running for a historic treble. The Italians were in contention for the Serie A and the Coppa Italia titles. Fast forward a month, and the Nerazzurri missed out on both. They were thrashed by city rivals AC Milan in the Coppa Italia and finished one point adrift of Napoli in the league.
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Yet, if Inter win the Champions League, it would be considered a successful campaign. Their run has been built on individual brilliance, unrelenting team spirit and Inzaghi's managerial brilliance.
Yann Sommer
on the verge of a career-defining campaign
Yann Sommer and his defenders have been one of the most rock solid defences in Europe this year. The side only let in one goal in the eight-game league phase. The number, though, rose to 10 in the knockouts, it is still the fewest goals conceded this season in the Champions League.
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The 36-year-old Sommer has been a masterstroke for Inter this season. While the Swiss keeper has been part of the club since 2023, his performances between the sticks have been nothing short of a lifesaver, particularly this season. The semi-final against Barcelona saw him make a staggering 14 saves, most of which came in the second leg, as the former Bayern Munich man parried incessant attempts from Lamine Yamal & Co.
Brought in for €6 million from Bayern Munich, Sommer was signed as a replacement for André Onana, who departed for Manchester United in a €55 million deal — over nine times the fee.
Ahead of the final, Sommer named his save against Yamal as one of the 'two great moments' of his career, the other being Switzerland's memorable Euro 2021 campaign.
Now, as Inter prepare to face PSG in the Champions League final, Sommer believes this could finally be the night his team lifts the coveted trophy for the first time since 2010.
Poll
Who do you think has been the standout player for Inter Milan this season?
Yann Sommer
Lautaro Martinez
Marcus Thuram
Someone else
At 36, and having already retired from international football, the Swiss goalkeeper knows he's nearing the end of the road. 'This is a nice way to end my career,' Sommer said, reflecting on his place in the final, set to be played at the Allianz Arena on May 31.
Will Inter salvage a season that unraveled in its final stages with a Champions League title? Or will Luis Enrique's PSG claim their first-ever Champions League? Either way, legacy awaits the victor.
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