11 matches and two goals – this is Piotr Zieliński's record at Inter Milan. The Pole left Napoli and became a player of the Italian champion this season. The midfielder is not always the main player of the Milan team, but he regularly appears on the pitch.
“Zieliński? He is second to none”
It so happens that on Sunday, Zieliński will have a chance to play against his former team. Inter will play Napoli at home in the blockbuster of the 12th round of Serie A. However, the Italian media predicts that Zieliński will start this match on the bench, and in the midfield, coach Simone Inzaghi will rely on the trio of Barella – Mkhitaryan – Calhanoglu. However, it is possible that the Pole will join the pitch from the bench.
– I had eight fantastic years in the blue jersey and we even won the Scudetto. But now I am an Inter player and I will give my all to win on Sunday. If I score a goal, I won't celebrate it, declared Zieliński, quoted by siamoilnapoli.it.
Even though Zieliński is not always in the starting lineup, he is still praised in Italy. Giuseppe Bruscolotti, former defender and captain of Napoli, the second player in the club's history in terms of the number of appearances (511), winner of the championship and the Italian Cup in 1987, gave him a favorable review in an interview with the “Przegląd Sportowy Onet” portal.
– In terms of technical skills, Zieliński is unrivaled. The only thing he lacked was regularity. As for his role on the pitch, he works best as a “mezzala” (“half-winger”, a player operating between the wing and the center of the pitch – editor's note) – said the legendary Napoli defender.
Italian expert Siavoush Fallahi spoke similarly about Zieliński. – Zieliński is improving a lot and doing very well as part of the rotation. I am very pleased with it. For me, Inter's starting midfield is still Barella, Calhanoglu and Mkhitaryan – he said in an interview with “WP Sportowe Fakty”.