Akanji: Inter must beat Brugge to boost Champions League hopes

Inter Milan defender Manuel Akanji said he will not be friends with Club Brugge goalkeeper Yann Sommer during Tuesday's Champions League match at San Siro, as Inter seeks its first European win after an opening defeat to Real Madrid. Akanji emphasized the importance of a top-eight finish for direct knockout qualification and praised Inter's squad depth, noting rotation has maintained strong domestic form with only one league draw. He exchanged messages with Sommer, a former Inter player, but stressed winning is the priority. Inter has six group games remaining, and Akanji avoided labeling the fixture as do-or-die, though he expressed determination to secure victory in front of home fans. He also confirmed his focus remains on Inter, not his former club Manchester City.