City v Inter: Played for both | OneFootball

Manchester City’s pre-season begins on Saturday 1 August when we face Inter in Hong Kong at 12.30 (UK).

Men's Team

Vieri: Big pre-season games like City v Inter push players

It’s become a celebrated fixture, certainly for City fans after we beat the Italian giants to win the Champions League in 2023.

The match is the first of three on our Tour to Asia and is live for all CITY+ subscribers around the world, except in Italy and China.

Subscribe to CITY+ to watch our tour matches

It’s followed by games in South Korea against a K League All Stars side on Wednesday 5 August and Atletico Madrid on Sunday 9 August – both available on CITY+ globally, except in South Korea and Spain for the Atleti clash.

This Saturday’s game will be the first under new boss Enzo Maresca and, ahead of the encounter, we take a look at the players that have featured for both sides.

Ousmane Dabo (Inter 1998-99, City 2006-08)

He was a France under-21 international when he left Rennes to move to the San Siro but made just 18 appearances for moving on.

After successful spells with Atlanta and Lazio, he won three international caps before Stuart Pearce brought him to City.

A red card early in his career and injuries meant he made just 18 appearances for the Blues before returning to Lazio.

Bernardo Corradi (Inter 2001-02, City 2006-08)

Even diehard Inter fans may have missed the Italian striker’s Inter career – just four minutes as a substitute in a Champions League third round second leg win over Sporting.

But he soon started finding the net with Lazio, Valencia and the national team before moving to the Blues.

A red card on his debut against Chelsea was ominous and the first of three goals from 28 appearances didn’t come until game 13 although his ‘knighting celebration’ is fondly remembered.

David Pizarro (Inter 2005-6, City 2011-12)

The Chilean had brief stints at both clubs and with Serie A clubs Udinese, Roma and Fiorentina seeing the best of him.

Roberto Mancini was his boss at Inter and then brought him to City on loan for the second half of the 2011/12 season.

He made just two starts while his only goal came in a 4-0 victory over FC Porto in the Europa League.

Maicon (Inter 2006-12, City 2012-13)

The Brazilian was one of the most exciting full-backs in the world during his time at Inter and was on the shortlist for the 2010 Ballon d’Or.

That season, the Italians won the Treble and he was also named the UEFA Club Defender of the Year.

He joined City in 2012 and made 13 appearances in his one season before returning to Serie A with Roma.

Mario Balotelli (Inter 2007-10, City 2010-13)

The Italian striker burst onto the scene as a teenager with Inter, helping them to three Serie A titles and the Champions League.

Former boss Roberto Mancini brought him to the Etihad and his off-field antics often took attention away from his contributions on the pitch.

But he was capable of magical moments, not least his assist for Sergio Aguero’s title-winning goal, and he’s remembered as a cult hero.

Felipe Caicedo (City 2008-11, Inter 2021-22)

A teenager when he joined from Swiss club FC Basel, the Ecuadorian had a long and varied career across the globe.

For City, he made 35 appearances scoring eight goals, including against Hamburg in the thrilling UEFA Cup quarter-final second leg.

After spells with eight clubs, he had a brief loan spell at Inter but played just 21 minutes in three substitute appearances.

Aleksandar Kolarov (City 2010-17, Inter 2020-22)

Over seven seasons at the Etihad Stadium, the popular Serbian won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and two League Cups.

Kolarov accumulated 247 appearances and scored 21 goals – many from long range – and would make a shortlist of greatest ever City left-backs.

Inter were his final club before retiring and he is currently working as Cristian Chivu’s assistant.

Edin Dzeko (City 2011-2016, Inter 2021-23)

Another hugely popular former player who is still going strong at the age of 40, making his latest World Cup appearance with Bosnia and Herzegovina in the summer.

A first goal against Notts County avoided an embarrassing FA Cup exit for City and led to us ending a 35-year wait for silverware.

After 189 appearances, 72 goals and five trophies including two Premier League titles, Dzeko move to Roma and then Inter.

Stevan Jovetic (City 2013-15, Inter 2015-17)

Another from the former Yugoslavia, Jovetic’s time at the Etihad wasn’t quite as successful.

A gifted forward, injuries and mixed form meant that he never really settled during his time at the Etihad although he won a Premier League title and League Cup.

Initially moving to Inter on loan, he spent two years at the San Siro while last season he was in Cyprus with Omonia.

Mateo Kovacic (Inter 2013-15, City 2023-)

Signed from Dinamo Zagreb, Kovacic spent three seasons with the Italians and was a popular figure with the Nerazzuri.

Successful spells with Real Madrid and Chelsea followed before Pep Guardiola saw that his experience and quality was perfect for City.

He won the title in his first season and will hope to avoid the injury setbacks that disrupted him during the 2025/26 campaign.

Joao Cancelo (Inter 2017-18, City 2019-24)

The talented Portuguese full-back spent a season on loan at Inter from Valencia.

After a season with Juventus, he then joined City and made a big contribution over three-and-a-half seasons.

Among his silverware collection, Cancelo won three Premier League winners’ medals in 154 appearances for the Blues.

Manuel Akanji (City 2022-25, Inter 2025-)

The Swiss international proved to be an astute signing when he joined late in the 2022 summer transfer window,

An intelligent and ball-playing defender, Akanji was part of an assured backline that became the best side in England and Europe.

He won six different trophies during his time at City, including the Premier League, Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup.

Patrick Vieira (Inter 2006-10, City 2010-11)

The bulk of his career was spent at a successful Arsenal side but enjoyed his time at Inter and City late in his career.

With the Italians, the elegant and robust midfielder won three Serie A titles before moving to the Etihad.

He then moved to City and his last ever appearance was the 2011 FA Cup triumph over Stoke City before joining the Academy coaching staff and later taking charge of the EDS.