Lecce 0-2 Inter Milan – Man City Owned Swiss Star On Italy Assist King: “Left Foot Top 3 Of Players I’ve Played With” | OneFootball

Manuel Akanji came off the bench to score Inter Milan’s second goal against Lecce and was full of praise for two-assist man Federico Dimarco afterwards, declaring the Italian’s left foot to be among the very best he’s played alongside.

The Manchester City loanee spoke to DAZN, via FCInterNews, and at the post-match press conference, reflecting on a victory that owed much to the impact of Inter’s substitutes.

Akanji and Mkhitaryan both entered the fray with the game still finely poised at 1-0, and the Swiss defender admitted the pair had spoken on the bench about the importance of being ready to make a difference.

“You always have to be ready, even when you don’t start,” he said. “Mkhitaryan and I were prepared, we told each other how important this game was.”

Lecce 0-2 Inter Milan – Akanji Heaps Praise On Teammate Dimarco

LECCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Federico DImarco of FC Internazionale in action 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)

The goal that sealed the win was set up by a move Inter had specifically worked on in training the previous day.

Indeed, with Dimarco‘s delivery proving decisive.

Akanji was effusive in his assessment of his teammate’s quality.

“His left foot is definitely top three, I won’t name others to avoid upsetting anyone. However, he is among the first three. We already practised that move in training yesterday. His left foot is incredible.”

Akanji also addressed the brief narrative of two different Inter sides in Europe and domestically, pushing back firmly.

“I don’t think that’s the case. The Bodo game wasn’t positive, but we’re not two different teams – we always try our best. Sometimes things go well, sometimes they don’t. Now we’ll try to turn it around against Bodo.”

On Alessandro Bastoni, Akanji was supportive, with quotes again courtesy of FCInterNews.

“Bastoni did what he thought was right in that moment and apologised. Having played with ten men helped us, but today in my opinion he responded like a great player.”