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.