Frattesi, Inter Milan’s European hero: from almost leaving to Champions League Final

The Inter Milan midfielder was close to leaving in January—now he's the decisive man behind their journey to Munich

Wild eyes, neck veins bulging, climbing the gate to feel the San Siro roar more intensely. 

Davide Frattesi’s celebration after his decisive goal against Barcelona is still vivid in the minds of all Inter Milan fans. 

That strike sealed Inter Milan’s place in the Champions League final. And let’s not forget his clinical finish against Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals—another turning point in Inter Milan’s European campaign.

Incredibly, the former Sassuolo midfielder might not have played these matches at all. Back in January, the idea of him leaving Milan wasn’t just media fiction. 

He had little playing time, market interest was growing, and the appeal of Roma—his hometown—was strong. 

But in the end, Frattesi stayed at Inter Milan and became the man of destiny.

As Tuttosport wrote via Fcinter1908.it:
"If Davide Frattesi had left Inter Milan in January when his bags seemed packed and one foot out of Appiano Gentile, it's likely another team would now be preparing for a trip to Munich. 

Sure, there’s no proof of the alternate scenario. But had he followed through with his frustrations—limited minutes and Roma calling with the promise of happiness—Inter Milan would have lost their European hero."

Inter Milan made the right move by setting a high price tag. Roma and Napoli tried to tempt him, but the club held firm. 

Davide Frattesi answered with performances, seizing his chance and transforming into Inter Milan’s Champions League superhero.

From Transfer rumors to San Siro glory: Frattesi’s redemption arc

He delivered when it mattered, taking Inter Milan all the way to Munich. From the Allianz Arena to San Siro and now back again—Frattesi’s path is poetic. 

The comparisons with Fabio Grosso in 2006 aren’t far-fetched: a penalty won in the Round of 16, a semi-final goal with a Tardelli-like celebration, and the decisive penalty in the final. Marcello Lippi trusted Grosso back then because he sensed it—he was the man of destiny.

Frattesi just needs to check one final box to complete his own perfect run. 

Fittingly, it all circles back to Germany—to the Allianz Arena in Munich, where everything began.