Inter Milan & Italy Superstar Defender Opens Up On Champions League Final Heartbreak: “Still Can’t Explain What Happened In Munich” | OneFootball

Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni has opened up about the painful memories of the Champions League (UCL) final defeat in Munich.

Speaking ahead of Inter’s FIFA Club World Cup opener against CF Monterrey via FCInterNews, Bastoni addressed the dismal final.

Despite Nerazzurri’s dominant run to the showpiece event, Paris Saint-Germain proved too strong at the Allianz Arena.

Indeed, Luis Enrique’s side demolished the San Siro giants 5-0 en route to their maiden Champions League triumph.

On the other hand, it wasn’t a good way to go for the now-former Inter boss Simone Inzaghi.

The 49-year-old lost both Champions League finals during his four-year stint at Giuseppe Meazza.

However, this last defeat to PSG was hard to digest.

Though he was outstanding in the league phase and the knockouts, Alessandro Bastoni stuttered in the final.

It’s been just over a fortnight since the Munich fiasco, and the Italian defender is still bamboozled.

Alessandro Bastoni Delivers Verdict on Inter Milan Humiliation in UCL Final

MUNICH, GERMANY – MAY 31: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale looks dejected as he walks past the UEFA Champions League trophy after collecting his runners up medal after defeat to Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League Final 2025 between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Internazionale Milano at Munich Football Arena on May 31, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

“It’s not easy,” Bastoni admitted. “But our job requires us to start again, to look at the positive things we did during the season that’s just ended, and then to begin a new cycle.

“What we absolutely must do is bring new enthusiasm.

“In terms of how it feels, it seems like a lifetime has passed since that night in Munich.

“We’re used to resetting, starting over, resetting again, starting over again.

“Even when you do well, you always have to put the past aside and prove yourself in the present.

“From that point of view, there’s one small advantage.

“We have to forget what that night was and focus on the journey that brought us there; take the good things we did this season with us.”

Managerial Shift

PARMA, ITALY – MAY 18: Cristian Chivu head coach of Parma calcio during the Serie A match between Parma and Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 18, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Inzaghi left the club only days after the final, with Cristian Chivu taking over the reins after Cesc Fabregas’ rejection.

“We have to find that energy,” Bastoni added. “The coach is helping us to rediscover that spark.

“He’s really focused on the path we’ve taken in recent years, on the good things we’ve achieved.

“We have to trust him and also the new players, who will bring enthusiasm.

“These are things that happen in our world; cycles aren’t infinite.

“Of course, the responsibility is shared between players and coaches in these situations.

“But again, these things happen in our world and we have to be ready for them.

“We’ve already asked ourselves why things went that way in Munich.

“It’s human nature to question the reasons behind unhappy moments.

“I still can’t give myself an explanation for that night, but thank God this job allows you to start over.

“We have a new opportunity, and we’re hungry and really eager to bounce back and do our best.”

Meanwhile, Bastoni admits Chivu’s approach has already impressed him.

“He struck me right away on a human level,” he continued. “I already knew him because he coached the Primavera team.

“Here, he really emphasized the journey we’ve made and the good things we’ve done.

“Maybe we needed to hear those words — he impressed me a lot from a human perspective.

“I’ll be able to say more in a few weeks, so far, we’ve only had two training sessions.”

Furthemore, Bastoni believes Chivu can help Inter find a way back to the top.

“Absolutely. Between him and Kolarov, I’m in good company, so I have no doubts.

“We’ll need to do a lot of work on the mental side of things, because the seasons are long and exhausting.”

Finally, he confessed he bid an emotional farewell to Inzaghi.

“Yes. We had four wonderful years together, and then he made this decision.

“There’s nothing but respect – everything’s very calm. We still talk often.”