As the first fireworks began to pop in the Naples night sky 500 miles away, Inter players trudged over to their supporters inside the Stadio Sinigaglia to embrace a familiar feeling.

For a third time this season, Simone Inzaghi’s side had come within touching distance of silverware. For a third time, they were left with nothing. 

Supercoppa Italiana final and Coppa Italia semi-final defeats by neighbours AC Milan had been followed up by a title tussle that went right down to the final day. Once again, Inter found themselves a support act to the main stars of the show. 

Yet still this season harbours hope of their own crowning moment.

The conversation in Como between Nerazzurri fans and players was one of encouragement. Rather than dwelling on the Scudetto lost, attention had already turned to the Champions League final and one last shot at glory against Paris Saint-Germain. 

Despite the lack of a trophy, their season has been sensational, with supporters given moments to remember home and away. It has been Europe’s premier competition where those memories linger most fondly.

The two legs over which they battled out their Champions League semi-final with Barcelona will be etched into the memory of every Interista – more moments to cherish from a competition that means so much.

Those supporters though are praying for one more high from a season so far defined by the disappointments. One of those fans is 33-year-old Mattia Arcuri, who will be in Munich on Saturday evening.

It will be the third time he’s been able to watch his team in a Champions League final having been there in 2010 and 2023, matches that delivered a higher sense of belonging to his club – even in defeat.

“I went to Madrid when I was a child,” he told Destination Calcio. “I went to Istanbul and now I’m going to Munich. Three finals.

“One good, in Madrid. Istanbul, not good. But Istanbul was my favourite match. 

“I cried for two, three hours after the match but in my heart I was very happy for going to Istanbul and seeing my team playing with Manchester City.” 

Like all Inter fans, he is hoping for a different outcome on this occasion, a result to finally put the heartbreak of Istanbul to bed.

Standing in their way is French champions Paris Saint-Germain and a couple of familiar faces.

Former Inter defender Achraf Hakimi will be at right-back for Luis Enrique’s side, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was a domestic opponent with Napoli up until January.

They are just two of a number of players Mattia believes can cause issues for Inzaghi’s side. But it is as a collective he sees his side triumphing in Germany.

“It’s very difficult,” he admits. “PSG, their players are good players. But together, Inter is a good team. PSG together, for me, are not.”

Together, Inter and their fans go in search of this season’s defining moment one last time.