The Swiss player arrived on loan with an option to buy set at 15 million, but if the Nerazzurri were to win the title, the obligation would kick in immediately

For Manuel Akanji, the Scudetto is worth double. The first reason is simple: to win in Italy as well. So far, he has lifted trophies in every country where he has played: Switzerland, Germany, England. Cups with Basel, others with Borussia Dortmund, and the treble with City. Winning in Italy would mean adding a trophy to his collection and also staying in Serie A. Inter signed him on loan from Manchester City with an option to buy set at 15 million. In the event of a Scudetto, however, the option would become permanent without going through the English club. It is one of the conditions tied to the deal put together by Ausilio and Marotta this summer.

Inter’s intention, however, is to buy him outright regardless. Akanji has been flawless so far. Six months as a versatile utility player—part wing-back, part center-back—and extremely reliable. He has a Sports Prediction rating of exactly 6.0 (with three yellow cards), 13 league appearances, all as a starter, and all for the full 90 minutes. Chivu has never substituted him. He’s only sat on the bench against Bologna in the Super Cup and Venezia in the Coppa Italia, starting three out of six Champions League matches from the opening whistle. In Serie A—among center backs—he ranks fourth in passes completed per 90 minutes (61.6 per game), and at Inter he’s second in duels won (50). A reliable presence the coach almost never passes up. Especially since the Swiss player, set to compete in his third World Cup this summer, can play both wide and in the center of the defense. A dual role the Nerazzurri coach has relied on on multiple occasions. That’s why Inter’s management is intent on buying him outright. Akanji is approaching 31, but experience is on his side: “I hope to stay here,” he said about a month ago, “let’s see what happens this season, then we’ll decide what to do with the club. Right now, I’m very happy in Milan.” Inter is happy with him, too.