Sassuolo 0-5 Inter Milan – Man City Owned Swiss Star Underlines Impact Of Set Pieces After First Goal For Nerazzurri | OneFootball

Manuel Akanji marked his first goal for Inter Milan as the Nerazzurri swept Sassuolo aside 5-0, and the Swiss defender stressed how decisive set pieces can be.

Speaking to Sky Sport after the match, Akanji praised the team’s performance while admitting the game proved tougher than the scoreline suggested.

“I think it was a very important win. It wasn’t as simple as it may look,” he said, via FCInterNews.

“The first half was balanced. In the second half we pushed and really took control. With the red card, the match was finished. It was a great result for us.”

Akanji also highlighted the value of dead-ball situations, especially with a crosser like Federico Dimarco.

“Obviously we want to win the Scudetto. We have to win to stay at the top and focus on ourselves,” he continued.

“It’s a big advantage to have someone like Dimarco delivering crosses. Set pieces are important and decisive in matches. The cross for the opening goal was excellent. Set pieces can change games.”

Sassuolo 0-5 Inter Milan – Akanji Delighted With First Goal

PARMA, ITALY – JANUARY 07: Manuel Akanji of FC Internazionale looks on during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and FC Internazionale at Stadio Ennio Tardini on January 07, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

The defender then pointed to the work Inter must do when defending transitions.

“We have to be ready when we lose the ball,” Akanji explained.

“Normally we have good pace and can match attackers, but the key is compactness and teamwork. On the counter-attack we must be ready to stop dangerous situations.”

In the mixed zone, Akanji admitted scoring his first goal for Inter carried special meaning.

“It’s always a great feeling when you get the chance to score,” he said, via FCInterNews.

“The ball came perfectly over my head and I’m happy, but the most important thing is the team’s win.”

The Swiss international also made clear he relishes his role in the squad.

“I like playing. I don’t like sitting on the bench,” he smiled.

“Whenever I can, I want to be on the pitch and be ready. I always try to do my best, I feel comfortable playing centrally, and I use my experience to help my teammates and be available for the coach.”