Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain this weekend in the Champions League final as underdogs against the reigning European kings – now Andrea Pirlo has his say on the final
Two-time Champions League winner and Italy legend Andrea Pirlo reveals who his favourite is for the 2026 final in Budapest between Paris-saint German and Arsenal.
The former midfield general featured in 108 Champions League matches including four finals, not to mention a World Cup final, so the Italian knows a thing or two about dealing with the pressures that finals bring. But for all the highs of lifting the trophy twice, Pirlo knows all too well of the heartache of losing, no more so than the infamous 2005 final against Liverpool in Istanbul.
Fortunately for Mikel Arteta, the gap in quality between his Arsenal side and PSG isn’t as far apart as Pirlo’s Milan side that gave up a three-goal half-time lead to Liverpool 21 years ago.
Pirlo tips PSG to retain their European crown when they face Arsenal in the final in Budapest, but refuses to rule out the Gunners to completing a historic league and cup double.
The French champions come up against the recently crowed champions of England in a battle of differing styles and tactics. And Pirlo, speaking to Football.London tips PSG to retain their European crown when they face Arsenal in the final in Budapest, but refuses to rule out the Gunners to completing a historic league and cup double.
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“I think it will be a great final. PSG have a slight advantage, but only because they’re more used to playing this sort of final. But I think Arsenal have a chance too.”
Across the European Cup and the Champions League format, 21 coaches have lifted the trophy more than once, but only four have done it more than twice. Should PSG retain their crown, Luis Enrique will add his name to the list of three-timers to have done so.
Pirlo argues the Spaniard is the best and most sought-after coach in Europe: “Yes, I think so. Right now, he’s the best, and he has proved it in Barcelona and over the last few years in Paris.”
But what of his opposition number and Spanish compatriot. Arteta ended 22 years of hurt by clinching the Premier League title and could enter immortality phase if he completes the double in the space of a week.
The Italian great lauded the job Arteta has done since taking over from Unai Emery in 2019, which has culminated in league success and an unbeaten run in Europe this season.
“He has done a great job. Not only because this year he won the Premier League and reached the final, but it’s already been a few years since he started his work building a young squad with a certain type of football, and now he is reaping the fruits of his work.”
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