MILAN, Italy: Davide Frattesi scored a dramatic extra-time winner to send Inter Milan into the Champions League final after a pulsating 4-3 victory over Barcelona, sealing a 7-6 aggregate win.
The midfielder struck in the 99th minute following brilliant work by Marcus Thuram, sparking wild celebrations at the San Siro.
Inter will now face either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain in Munich, hoping to lift their fourth European crown.
Frattesi, who also scored in the quarter-finals, expressed disbelief at the moment, saying, “Tonight (May 6) was even more incredible.”
Inter’s season was on the brink after falling behind late in normal time, with Raphinha putting Barcelona ahead 3-2, but Francesco Acerbi equalised in stoppage time, forcing extra time.
Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu had earlier given Inter a 2-0 first-half lead, before goals from Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo brought Barca level.
Yann Sommer was crucial, making key saves – including one from Lamine Yamal in the 113th minute – to keep Inter in the tie.
Barca, chasing a historic quadruple, were left devastated.
Inter, previously out of the domestic title and cup races, now have a shot at European glory again.
Defender Federico Dimarco emphasised their confidence, saying, “You have to play to win any final.” – AFP
