Sneijder warns PSG: ‘Inter are bigger and stronger’ than 2023 final against Man City

Wesley Sneijder of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates after the goal scored by Samuel Eto’o during the Tim Cup final between FC Internazionale Milano and US Citta di Palermo at Olimpico Stadium on May 29, 2011 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Wesley Sneijder believes that Inter are a different beast heading into the Coppa Campioni final against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday evening, particularly compared to two years ago when the Nerazzurri narrowly missed out to Manchester City in the 2023 final in Istanbul. 

Sneijder, who played a key role in the 2010 Nerazzurri treble winning side under Jose Mourinho, has explained how Inter have kicked on since losing out to City in the 2023 Coppa Campioni final: “This final is different,” he warned. 

The Nerazzurri are going in search of their fourth Coppa Campioni or European Cup title against PSG, who have never previously lifted UEFA’s most sought-after trophy. 

Sneijder on PSG-Inter: ‘I was in Istanbul two years ago, but this final is different’

“I was in Istanbul two years ago, but this final is different,” Sneijder told La Gazzetta dello Sport. 

Inter were considered the underdogs heading into the 2023 Coppa Campioni final, which they lost 1-0 after a second-half strike from future Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. 

While Inter had their opportunities to score against City, the 2025 final is expected to be an even tighter affair, with no clear favourite ahead of kick-off. 

“Not just because there isn’t a clear favourite, nor because PSG looks less dominant than City were in 2023. It’s because Inter are different compared to two years ago,” Sneijder continued in his interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. 

“They’re bigger, stronger and have more awareness. They’ve completed a long journey, they’ve got defensive maturity. 

“Even defeats, like the one two years ago, have served to make them more complete.” 

Sneijder also feels that Inter losing out on the Serie A title to Napoli by one point in the final round of the season will have only spurred Simone Inzaghi and his players on further. 

“Additionally, I’m convinced that the team will be motivated to react immediately after losing the Scudetto. It is and will be a great regret, because there wasn’t much more left to win it.

“Don’t ask me for predictions, though, those who make them make mistakes! What I really believe in is this team and Simone Inzaghi. We hope that we will remember this Saturday for a long time.”