Stones and Akanji together from the first minute against Udinese

According to Corriere dello Sport, this evening against Udinese Inter should start from the first minute with the defensive pair made up of John Stones and Manuel Akanji. The two center-backs have not played together since February 11, 2025, when with Manchester City they lost 3-2 at home against Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League playoff.

The Englishman’s season ended a few weeks after that match due to a long injury, which also denied him the chance to play in the Club World Cup. In the summer, Akanji moved to Inter on the last day of the transfer window, while Stones joined him in Milan a month ago.

With the Nerazzurri, the two have only played together in the final part of the summer friendly against Real Betis, which was decided by a goal from the Englishman. In official matches, however, they have always alternated: Stones replaced Akanji during the match both against Monza and against Cagliari in Serie A.