Inter Milan's Final run proves talent beats budget in Champions League

Inter Milan is the third least expensive squad among those that have reached the Champions League final over the past 10 years. 

The Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport via Fcinter1908.it highlights the Nerazzurri’s journey and especially the cost of the current team.

“Quality comes at a cost, but money doesn’t always buy paradise. In an era of spending reviews, financial fair play, and salary caps, austerity-driven success should be applauded. 

‘Low cost, high return’ might just be the perfect slogan for Simone Inzaghi’s extraordinary Inter Milan. 

For the Champions League semifinal against Barcelona, lofty comparisons were made—from the 2010 Treble to the legendary 4–3 Italy-Germany ‘Game of the Century.’ From Sommer’s miraculous saves to Lautaro’s grit and Frattesi’s decisive strike, the level of play seen on Tuesday—already a part of football history—was undeniable. Inter Milan overcame clubs stronger on paper, and now just one challenge remains: PSG, Kvara, and their galaxy of stars.”

Costs and Benefits

Inter Milan’s road to the final in Munich—their second in two calendar years—has been years in the making, built gradually through smart, cost-conscious investments. The team that eliminated Feyenoord, Bayern, and Barcelona is the third least expensive finalist in the last decade. 

Adding up the total transfer fees, Inter Milan’s squad cost €291.3 million (approx. £250.5 million)—only two of the last twenty Champions League finalists had a lower total squad value. 

That includes Inzaghi’s own 2023 team that nearly stunned Guardiola’s City, and the 2016 Atlético Madrid squad that lost to Real in a penalty shootout.

The Squad Behind the Miracle

Few but key changes have occurred since that June 10, 2023 final: major investments like Skriniar and Lukaku departed, and there's a €68.4 million (approx. £58.8 million) difference between Inter Milan 2023 and the heroic 2025 squad set to face PSG. 

By contrast, PSG’s roster is the fourth most expensive on record, valued near €700 million (approx. £602 million)—an astonishing gap of over €400 million (approx. £344 million). 

Inter Milan’s most recent annual expenses totaled €76.9 million (approx. £66.1 million)—barely more than PSG paid for Kvaratskhelia alone €70 million, (approx. £60.2 million). 

That sum includes €20.6 million (approx. £17.7 million) for new arrivals and the remainder for permanent deals, such as Frattesi, the Champions League revelation.

Ultimately, money alone isn’t enough to conquer Europe. Juventus couldn’t do it in 2017 with a €202 million (approx. £ 171.1) squad; even City and PSG failed in 2021 and 2020 with the third and first most expensive squads respectively. 

Finals are a different world—where spirit and team cohesion often make the true difference. And that, Inter Milan has in abundance.