Akanji puts friendship aside as Inter target first Champions League win
goal.com —
Inter Milan defender Manuel Akanji said he will set aside friendship 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, noting Inter's strong domestic form with only one draw and one loss this season. He praised squad rotation for maintaining performance levels across competitions. The Swiss centre-back, in his second Inter season after two domestic trophies, dismissed framing the match as do-or-die, citing six remaining group games, but stressed the desire to win in front of home fans.