Man City Owned Inter Milan Loanee Defender Sends Warning Ahead Of Crucial Champions League Clash: “Strong On Set-Pieces” | OneFootball

Inter Milan defender Manuel Akanji is aware of how dangerous Arsenal can be in set-piece situations.

Speaking to Sky Sport via FCInterNews, the Manchester City-owned star praised the Gunners’ set-piece prowess.

A place in the Champions League last-16 will be on the line when Inter take on Arsenal at San Siro tomorrow.

Indeed, only two points separate the sixth-placed Nerazzurri from 15th-placed Barcelona ahead of the kick-off.

Therefore, any potential slip-up could dearly cost the Serie A leaders.

However, it could also be an opportunity for Cristian Chivu to break his ‘big game’ curse after several disappointing results in high-profile matches.

Furthermore, Inter have lost consecutive Champions League outings to Atletico Madrid and Liverpool.

As such, they will be heavily motivated to bounce back against Arsenal, a side they defeated 1-0 at this stadium last season.

Meanwhile, Akanji, who knows the Gunners from his time in the Premier League, warned his teammates about the visitors’ set-piece potential.

Inter Milan Center-Back Manuel Akanji Praises Arsenal Set-Piece Quality

MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 26: Manuel Akanji of FC Internazionale Milano runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Metropolitano on November 26, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“Everyone knows they’re really strong from set pieces, so we’ll have to be careful and defend well,” Akanji said.

“We must try not to concede corners, but obviously also avoid goals from open play.

“They have many players with great individual quality, capable of producing excellent individual moments.

“Overall, they are a very strong team, one of the best in Europe right now.

“So yes, we’ll need a top-level performance if we want to come away with points.”

Despite praising Arsenal’s strength, Manuel Akanji doesn’t see them as the best time in Europe at the moment.

“For me, no,” he replied when asked whether they’re the strongest side in European football. “It’s Bayern Munich.”

Finally, he delivered his verdict on Inter’s rich vein of form.

“The results give us confidence, but tomorrow is a different match,” Akanji added. “We have to be very focused.

“We also know we’ve lost our last Champions League games, so tomorrow we really need these points and we’ll do everything we can to get them.”