Inter Milan defeated Como 2-0 at San Siro on Monday, with Manuel Akanji later dismissing his opponents’ reputation after four career wins against them, as reported by detikSport. Pio Esposito and Marcus Thuram scored early goals to secure the Serie A victory.
Early Goals Seal San Siro Victory
Inter seized control early during the match on November 9, 2026, as Pio Esposito and Marcus Thuram found the net before the 20-minute mark, according to Jawa Pos. Como’s Nico Paz registered the game’s first shot from outside the box in the fifth minute, but the attempt missed the target.
Como struggled to break down the home side’s defense as Inter dominated possession. Federico Dimarco forced a save from Como goalkeeper Robert Sanchez in the second half, sealing a clean sheet for the reigning champions.
Akanji Questions Como Hype
Manuel Akanji pushed back against widespread praise for Como’s attacking style this season, noting his team’s historic dominance over the newly promoted club, detikSport reported.
“Fenomena Como? Fenomena apa? Kami telah bermain melawan mereka empat kali dan kami selalu menang,” said Manuel Akanji, defender for the Switzerland national team, told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Akanji acknowledged Como’s adaptation to Serie A and their recent European results, but maintained they did not appear superior on the pitch.
“Tentu saja mereka telah beradaptasi dengan sangat baik di Serie A dan mereka juga menang 9-1 di Liga Champions. Mereka adalah tim yang sangat kuat, tetapi dalam pertandingan yang saya mainkan melawan mereka, mereka tidak tampak lebih unggul dari tim lain,” Akanji told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Fabregas Points to Transition Deficits
Cesc Fabregas credited Inter’s experience following the loss. The Como coach highlighted San Siro’s atmosphere and the champions’ proficiency in counter-attacks.
“Inter adalah salah satu tim terbaik dalam serangan balik dan situasi bola mati,” said Cesc Fabregas, manager of Como, as reported by Goal.com.
Fabregas said that his squad lacked the cynical edge required to disrupt Inter’s rhythm. The result left Como in fifth place in the Serie A standings with 23 points, while Inter climbed to second with 28 points, trailing league leaders Lazio by a single point, according to Jawa Pos and Goal.com.
Chivu Evaluates Fixture Congestion
Cristian Chivu addressed his squad's physical demands after playing nine matches in 27 days, as reported by Jakarta Review. The Inter manager pointed to earlier defeats against AC Milan and Club Brugge as testing moments for the team’s resilience.
“Saya ingin mulai dengan menyoroti fakta bahwa kami menjalani sembilan pertandingan dalam 27 hari. Itu menguras banyak energi dan menghadirkan banyak pasang surut,” said Cristian Chivu, manager of Inter Milan.
Chivu praised his players’ defensive execution against Como’s aggressive buildup. The victory provided a stable platform ahead of the international break.
Match Schedule and Next Fixtures
Inter will return to domestic competition after the international break to face Atalanta on November 22, 2026, before hosting Stuttgart in the Champions League three days later, according to Goal.com. Como is scheduled to host Cagliari on November 21 before playing AEK Athens in Europe on November 24.