Manuel Akanji Says His Move To Inter Has ‘Gone Really Well’ As Swiss Star Shines In Ajax Win

Manuel Akanji has opened up on life at Inter and says his move to the Nerazzurri has ‘gone really well‘ so far. 

Akanji transferred to the San Siro on a loan deal from Man City on deadline day. The Italian giants are able to make his temporary switch permanent next summer for €15million.

The Switzerland international has completed the full 90 minutes in his opening two games. Although he endured criticism in the 4-3 Derby d’Italia defeat to Juventus, Akanji put in a vastly approved performance against Ajax on September 17.

Manuel Akanji On Inter Move

After completing his move to Serie A, Inter defender Manuel Akanji said that the Nerazzurri are the ‘biggest club in Italy.’ And with that, comes an enormous amount of pressure.

“It’s gone really well,” Akanji told RSI. “I’m satisfied. Winning also helped because victories definitely improve the atmosphere.

“Now the most important thing for me is to find a house as soon as possible because living in a hotel isn’t ideal. I’m also happy to have a coach like Cristian Chivu, who speaks good English. It makes communication much easier.”

Akanji then went on to explain how keeping a clean sheet in the 2-0 UCL win against Ajax was vital. The 30-year-old also praised goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

“It’s never easy to win away from home in the Champions League, especially at a tough ground like this,” Akanji confirmed.

“Yann Sommer’s save right before our goal was crucial. The important thing was not conceding.”

Will Manuel Akanji Start Against Sassuolo?

On MD4 of the 2025-26 Serie A season, Inter takes on Sassuolo.  The recently promoted side have lost two of their three of their games so far.

Ironically, they have the same record as Inter (W1, L2). Sunday’s clash at the San Siro is hugely important for Cristian Chivu’s side. Especially as the Nerazzurri head coach tasted defeat in the last home game against Udinese.

From Manuel Akanji’s perspective, he is very likely to start. The 30-year-old was one of Inter’s standout performers against Ajax on September 17.

In Chivu’s 3-5-2 set up, Akanji was the sole central defender with Stefan de Vrij playing on the right with Alessandro Bastoni on the opposite side.

Whether the Romanian boss opts to start the trio remains to be seen. However, Akanji’s performance in Amsterdam suggests Chivu will stick with the 30-year-old.

Meanwhile, captain and star man Lautaro Martinez is rated 50/50 for the encounter. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner missed the clash in Holland with a back problem.