Manchester City loanee Manuel Akanji has found himself at the centre of fierce criticism in Italy after Inter Milan’s Champions League exit — a dramatic twist in what had largely been a productive spell away from the Etihad Stadium.
As reported in recent weeks, Akanji has generally impressed since joining Inter on loan. The Switzerland international quickly became a trusted figure at the club, featuring regularly and delivering composed performances at the heart of defence.
His consistency had fuelled growing confidence within the Italian media that the Nerazzurri would move to secure his services on a permanent basis.
Even if the purchase clause is not activated automatically, there remains an expectation that Inter will negotiate to keep him beyond the current campaign. Until Tuesday night, there had been little to suggest otherwise.
But football can be unforgiving. Inter’s Champions League play-off second leg against Bodo/Glimt proved to be a night to forget for the defender. Akanji was deemed responsible for the Norwegian side’s opening goal — a moment that shifted the momentum decisively.
Bodo/Glimt capitalised on the advantage, eventually sealing a 5-2 aggregate triumph and knocking Inter out of the competition in stunning fashion.
The error has since dominated headlines across Italy, with much of the post-match reaction focusing squarely on the Manchester City defender. In high-stakes European ties, individual mistakes are rarely overlooked, and Akanji’s lapse has been placed under an intense spotlight.
That scrutiny has been reflected in the player ratings. Corriere dello Sport awarded him just 4/10 and labelled him “the worst” performer across the two-legged encounter, a damning assessment even though the decisive mistake came after he had suffered a head injury earlier in the contest.
Gazzetta dello Sport were only marginally kinder, handing him a 4.5/10 rating.
Inter’s elimination from UEFA’s premier club competition came as a shock, and in moments like these, blame is often swiftly assigned. On this occasion, Akanji has become the figure singled out.
Yet the wider context paints a more balanced picture.
Aside from the decisive error, Akanji’s display was not without merit. He made several important recoveries and interventions, attempting to steady a defence that struggled collectively against Bodo/Glimt’s sharp counter-attacks.
Inter, as a unit, appeared vulnerable in transition — a weakness repeatedly exploited over the two legs.
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Tuttomercatoweb added another layer to the narrative, highlighting what it described as irony. Akanji chose Inter in part for the opportunity to compete in the Champions League, reportedly turning down rivals AC Milan in the process.
It was meant to be a platform to reinforce his reputation on Europe’s biggest stage. Instead, his mistake contributed directly to Inter’s exit.
Guardiola watches on as future still points to permanent move
Adding to the intrigue was the presence of Pep Guardiola in the stands. The Manchester City manager was in attendance for the decisive clash, and Italian reports claim Akanji made a fool of himself “right in front of Guardiola”.
Tuttomercatoweb suggested the City boss deserves credit for allowing the defender to depart, hailing his foresight despite Akanji’s generally dependable form this season.
It is a sharp shift in tone considering how positively Akanji’s move had previously been received. Prior to this setback, the conversation had centred not on whether Inter would keep him, but on how quickly they would formalise a permanent transfer.
Despite the severity of Tuesday’s criticism, that expectation has not entirely disappeared. Reports suggest Inter remain convinced about completing a deal.
The consensus appears to be that while the mistake was costly — and undeniably avoidable — it does not erase months of solid contributions.
