Inter Coppa Italia Lead Won't Guarantee Progress, Akanji Says

Inter head into the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg against Como knowing league comfort offers no guarantee. Manuel Akanji stressed that the club’s strong Serie A position cannot influence a knockout tie, with the contest finely balanced after a goalless first meeting at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia earlier in April.

The first leg produced few clear chances and highlighted Inter’s problems in front of goal that night. Inter finished without a single effort on target, the first time the team failed to record a shot on goal in a Coppa Italia match since at least the 2014-15 season.

In Serie A, Inter are closing in on the title and hold a clear cushion over the nearest challengers. Inter sit eight points ahead of AC Milan with five league fixtures remaining, leaving the club close to securing the Italian championship before attention turns fully to domestic cup honours.

Akanji underlined that point when speaking about Inter’s league control and the separate nature of cup football. "We have a good advantage in Serie A, 12 points over Milan and Napoli with only five games left. Its a great situation, but the Coppa Italia is another thing," Akanji told Sport Mediaset, separating long campaign form from knockout pressures.

Past meetings with Como this season offer mixed lessons for Inter ahead of the San Siro decider. Inter dominated one league game 4-0 at San Siro, yet needed to edge a 4-3 thriller at the Sinigaglia earlier this month, underlining Como’s threat and capacity to adapt across different contests.

Those results contrast sharply with the cagey first-leg draw, but the history of this fixture remains tight. Akanji expects Como to attack boldly in Milan, knowing a single goal could shift the tie. Inter, meanwhile, aim to use greater squad depth and experience while managing the tension of a semi-final night.

Inter’s record in the competition shows long-term strength, even if single games can be unpredictable. The club have lifted the Coppa Italia nine times, a tally bettered only by Juventus with 15 titles. That history places pressure on the current squad to extend the legacy with another successful campaign.

Akanji made clear that home advantage is the only benefit Inter can count on when the teams meet again. "We dont start with any advantage except from maybe playing at home. Its a semi-final and Como will come to Milan convinced, trying to do their best. But we want to get to the final and put in our best performance."

Akanji admitted there is always some uncertainty before matches like this, especially against adaptable opponents. Inter’s defender noted that playing Como is rarely straightforward and said the three games so far this season have each taken on very different patterns, adding another layer of unpredictability to Tuesday’s decisive meeting.

The Switzerland international is targeting a domestic double in the first season with Inter and views the Coppa as vital. Akanji said it would feel special to win two trophies, even after disappointment in the Champions League, where Inter hoped to reach the later rounds but fell short despite significant effort.

Inter now focus on finishing the campaign strongly across both remaining fronts, with the Coppa Italia semi-final a crucial step. The squad aim to secure a place in the final, protect the growing reputation under current leadership and ensure the promising season is matched by silverware in both league and cup.