Akanji: 'Inter have a better squad now, Stones is a great friend'
Quick summary
Manuel Akanji speaks about Inter Milan's squad strength and his friendship with former Manchester City teammate John Stones.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceManuel Akanji is reunited with his former Manchester City teammate John Stones at Inter ahead of the season opener with Monza. ‘He’s one of my great friends.’
It kicks off at San Siro at 17.30 UK time (18.30 CEST).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s four Serie A games on the Liveblog.
The Nerazzurri won the Scudetto and Coppa Italia last season for the Domestic Double, and are hoping to do even better this time around with a longer Champions League run.
They have invested heavily over the summer, bringing in three England internationals from the 2026 World Cup squad, namely Stones, Curtis Jones and Djed Spence.
Akanji glad to welcome Stones LECCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Manuel Akanji of Inter 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) Of the three, Akanji knows Stones far better, as this effectively rebuilds the defensive pairing seen at Manchester City.
“I’m trying to help him as much as possible, I took him to training a few times, to a couple of restaurants, show him around,” Akanji told DAZN Italia.
“It’s the best way to start this season, at home with one of my great friends. I hope we can start with a win, that makes everything better.”
Inter teammates celebrate as John Stones scores the winner in a friendly against Real Betis (@inter) Inter have bolstered their options, as Spence from Tottenham Hotspur can play on the right or left replacing Denzel Dumfries, while Jones also brings different characteristics to the side.
“We have a bigger squad, so in case of any injuries, the squad is really good, but we have to prove it. It’s just about just having a name. I have good feeling for this season, but we have to prove it on the pitch,” added Akanji.
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What happened
Inter Milan defender Manuel Akanji has given an interview reflecting positively on the quality of Inter's current squad, suggesting it compares favourably to his previous environment. The Swiss international also spoke warmly about his close friendship with John Stones, his former teammate at Manchester City. The comments come as Akanji settles into life at Inter following his transfer, with the defender highlighting the strength in depth available to the Nerazzurri.
Chance analysis
Akanji's endorsement of Inter's squad carries weight given his pedigree from Manchester City's treble-winning side. His willingness to publicly state Inter are now better equipped signals a confident dressing room and validates the club's recent recruitment strategy. The personal connection with Stones adds a human-interest layer, hinting at the high-level players Akanji has been training alongside throughout his career and the standard he now expects at San Siro.
Positive morale and squad-strength signal for Inter Milan as Akanji publicly endorses the team's quality.