Francesco Acerbi’s heroic moment in the third minute of injury time, charging up front to rescue Inter from a potential defeat against Barcelona, encapsulates the team’s never-say-die spirit in a thrilling Champions League semi-final.
cesco Acerbi, a 37-year-old center-back, doing in Barcelona’s six-yard box during the third minute of injury time in a two-legged Champions League semi-final? Acerbi hadn’t scored in over a year, with his last goal coming more than 65 appearances ago in UEFA competitions. This wasn’t his role on the field, yet it became the defining moment of one of the most entertaining Champions League semi-finals ever played.
But maybe this was just how it had to be. As the anthem of Inter Milan chants, “Pazza Inter Amala” (Crazy Inter, Love Her), it’s clear that Inter’s identity thrives on unpredictability. Unlike clubs like Real Madrid, who boast a legacy of dominance, or Juventus, who preach that winning is the sole objective, Inter’s success often follows the chaotic and extraordinary. Acerbi, a player who fought back from cancer twice and won seven major trophies after turning 30, displayed his resilience by blasting a striker’s finish into the top corner to equalize 6-6 on aggregate, forcing extra time. It’s not just a dream scenario – it’s typical of Inter’s thrilling unpredictability.
Inter’s Resilience and Tactical Mastery
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t just luck. Inter Milan are headed to their second Champions League final in three years because they are one of the finest teams on the planet. Players like Lautaro Martínez, who has been clinical this season, scoring every 85 minutes in the competition, and a manager in Simone Inzaghi, known for his tactical brilliance and adaptable systems, have played a pivotal role in their journey to the final.
However, these two games against Barcelona came at a difficult time. Inter’s form in April had been inconsistent, with three consecutive domestic defeats costing them top spot in Serie A and an exit from the Coppa Italia. The team, already showing signs of fatigue, looked worn out after a punishing schedule. Inzaghi deployed the oldest starting XI of any team in the 2025 Champions League quarter-finals against Bayern Munich, with an average age of 31.1. In Serie A, they were also the oldest, fielding the fewest players across all competitions.
Inter’s Champions League Journey: From Struggles to Strength
Despite their recent domestic struggles, Inter showed resilience in their Champions League performances. Against Bayern Munich, despite letting a lead slip, they quickly regained it through a strong response from Davide Frattesi. They kept fighting against Barcelona, answering every setback, including a stunning comeback from 2-0 down to 2-2, and repeating this effort from 3-2 to 3-3.
A less mentally strong team might have collapsed under pressure, especially after Lamine Yamal’s brilliant display in the first leg at Montjuïc. But not Inter. Acerbi, who had faced emotional turmoil with the loss of his father, remained unwavering, as did his teammates. Frattesi, who also faced personal grief with the loss of his grandmother, found strength in his resilience, despite struggling with an abdominal injury. These players poured their heart and soul into this competition, knowing the opportunity to lift another trophy could be their last.
Experience and Growth Under Inzaghi
As legendary coach Arrigo Sacchi noted, this Inter team has matured through experience. Seven of the eleven starters in the semi-final against Barcelona had already played in the 2023 Champions League final against Manchester City. They’ve learned the hard way how to overcome setbacks and rise to the occasion, knowing that moments like these are fleeting.
Inzaghi’s leadership has been instrumental in this growth. When he took over in 2021, Inter had not reached the knockout stage of the Champions League in a decade. Under his stewardship, they progressed to the last 16, and despite a loss to Liverpool, a win at Anfield stood as a key milestone in their journey.
The Heart and Determination of Inter
In the face of adversity, Inter have remained steadfast. They were arguably the more consistent team last season, but a loss to Atlético Madrid in the quarter-finals showed them that nothing can be taken for granted. On Tuesday, Martínez shared his emotional story of pain and determination, admitting he had cried at home for two days while recovering from a hamstring injury. Frattesi, too, revealed his struggle, saying he was “lucky” to finish the match. He dedicated his goal to the team’s physios, celebrating so intensely that he almost passed out.
In their respective roles at Inter this season, Acerbi and Frattesi have epitomized resilience and urgency. Acerbi, a key starter and leader, and Frattesi, who has fought for a regular spot since joining, both played with a passion and resolve that reflects their personal challenges. Acerbi’s experiences overcoming illness and Frattesi’s emotional loss have shaped their approach to this Champions League campaign, with both players embodying the never-give-up attitude that defines this Inter side.
Frattesi summed up their collective mindset perfectly: “I’m not an incredible talent, but I never give up. I am the last to give up and the first to believe.” It’s that belief and unyielding spirit that have propelled Inter to the Champions League final.
