Matteo Darmian, Inter Milan’s 35-year-old right-back, answered journalists’ questions at a press conference on Monday, particularly ahead of the Champions League 2024-2025 final on May 31 against Paris Saint-Germain at the Allianz Arena (broadcast on Canal+and M6). He was invited to talk in particular about the mentality required for such a match, and about Achraf Hakimi, PSG’s 26-year-old right-back who played for Inter in the 2020-2021 season.
Darmian “We have to prepare every little detail, because we know they all count in a match like this.”
What’s the difference between the week leading up to the final against City and this one? Who’s the favorite?
We’re going to live this week by storing up all the emotions. Playing in a Champions League final is extraordinary. We’re going to make the most of it. We know it’s going to be an extremely difficult match. We have to prepare every little detail, because we know that they all count in a match like this.
We’ll have to play a little lower against a team with such attacking potential and speed?
We know we’re up against a very strong team. And not just in attack. The team has shown that all season. They’ve won everything nationally and they’re in the final.
They’re a complete, well-organized team, with top-class players. We’ll have to be careful defensively, and it’ll be important to work as a team, to put them to the test in order to get what we want: victory.
Darmian “You have to live it positively all week long”.
How do you approach this season-changing final match?
We know it’s a particularly important match, and how difficult it is to reach the Champions League final. We need to play it with the right focus and the right frame of mind. We have to live it positively all week. It’s an extraordinary thing.
What will be the impact of the difference in average age between the two teams? (PSG have one of the youngest teams in the competition, Inter the oldest).
I really don’t know. It’s true that we’re up against a strong, young team with a lot of experience. But we also have all the qualities we need to do well. We’re going to do our best to prepare for a great game in Munich.
Darmian “I want to make the most of it and win this very important competition.”
Did you think you still had a chance of winning the competition 2 years after the last final?
No, it’s not always possible to reach a Champions League final. Of course, when you play for a club as important as Inter, your aim is to get there and win trophies.
That’s what we’re looking for, all together as a team. We deserved to reach the final. For me, it could be my last. I want to make the most of it and win this very important competition.
Darmian “I think we all have excellent memories of him.”
What memories do you have of Achraf Hakimi?
I think we all have excellent memories of him, for what he gave with this shirt. He helped win the championship, he’s a great player and a great man. He showed that at PSG. We hope that on Saturday he won’t play, but I wish him all the best for the rest.
What does it mean to be coached by Simone Inzaghi?
He’s a great coach. We’ve had an extraordinary rapport over the years. I think I can speak for the whole group, there’s a union with the players and the staff. That makes all the difference. He’s a great person.
Darmian “We’ll have to approach this final with the right focus, the right calm.”
Are you approaching the final with less lightness than 2 years ago? With more responsibility and experience?
You have to approach it with intensity and responsibility. We know it’s been an incredible journey to get here today. We’ve earned it. Since the first Champions League match, we’ve shown that we’re an important team. We have to live this final with the right attention, the right tranquillity.
How much has Inter changed since 2023?
I think that final was a great lesson. We’re a strong, mature team and we’ve shown that. We’ve grown up and that’s leading us to this new final. We’re one step away from the dream and we hope to achieve it.
