Akinsanmiro aims for success with Monza

After his loan spells at Sampdoria and Pisa gave him important first-team experience in Italy, Nigerian midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro says he joined Monza ready to turn those lessons into success. He was convinced by the club's ambition to make another loan move, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Akinsanmiro moved to Inter Milan from Remo Stars in January 2023. He started off playing for the club’s U-19 side for a season and a half, where he scored six goals in 37 matches.

During the 2023/24 season, he was promoted to the first team and made one Serie A appearance. He was also part of Inter’s squad that won the Coppa Italia.

A year later, he went on loan to Sampdoria in Serie B to get more first-team experience. He scored one goal and got one assist in 35 appearances.

He returned to the top flight in the 2025/26 season with Pisa, making 24 Serie A appearances before moving to Monza on another loan this season.

The 20-year-old has quickly made his mark at Monza, providing one assist in three league appearances so far. He says the club’s ambition played a big part in his decision to join.

“To be honest, from the first day I was welcomed by the people around me at Monza, and I could see the ambition of the club as well. I want to improve and be part of the team’s success,” he told SportyTV.

Monza is currently 18th in the Serie A after just one draw in the league. But they are through to the next round of the Coppa Italia.

Akinsanmiro also talked about how his previous loan spells impacted him, especially his time at Sampdoria, where he got his first long taste of senior football.

“Playing for Pisa and Sampdoria is also a big part of it. Sampdoria gave me that first-team experience for an entire season. It was a difficult season, but I learnt a lot from the two teams.

“They changed me mentally and showed me how important it is to win matches.”

His time in Italy has also led to a national team call-up under coach Eric Chelle. He was part of the Super Eagles squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Nigeria finished third.