Lecce 0-2 Inter Milan – Man City Owned Star Decisive Off The Bench: ‘A Defender Who Knows How To Be A Striker’ | OneFootball

Manuel Akanji produced another match-winning moment from the bench to seal a 2-0 victory for Inter Milan at Lecce

The defender earned strong ratings from Italian media for a display that underlined his growing importance to Cristian Chivu’s squad, via L’Interista.

The Manchester City loanee replaced De Vrij in the second half and made an immediate impact, powering home a header from Federico Dimarco’s corner to put the game beyond doubt.

Lecce 0-2 Inter Milan – Akanji Praised By Italian Press

LECCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Manuel Akanji of FC Internazionale celebrates his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and FC Internazionale at Stadio Via del Mare on February 21, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

It was the Swiss defender‘s second goal of the Serie A campaign, and the manner of it drew particular admiration, a dominant, well-timed leap that had no right to come from a centre-back.

Gazzetta dello Sport were among the most effusive.

The paper describing it as “a dominant header, from a defender who knows how to be a striker.”

Corriere dello Sport were equally impressed, calling it his “second feat of the season to seal the victory.”

Four of the five major outlets awarded him a 7, with only Tuttosport slightly more reserved at 6.5.