New Inter signing Piotr Zielinski believes the Nerazzurri’s midfield is among the best in Europe and is aiming for the Champions League. The Polish international spoke at length to La Gazzetta dello Sport about his switch to Inter this summer, his time in Naples and the objectives the Nerazzurri have for the new seasonL
“I bring quality and experience, and competition doesn’t scare me. I want to help Inzaghi by scoring several goals. He also asks me to work differently without the ball,” Zielinski stated confidently.
The calm demeanor of the Polish player, who doesn’t miss a single event of the Paris 2024 Olympics, will be tested throughout the season. Finding a spot in Inter’s star-studded midfield can be challenging, but Zielinski seems patient. He has navigated through turbulent times at Napoli to arrive at this point with the Nerazzurri. Yesterday in Pisa, during a friendly match, he played on the right side of Barella and Mkhitaryan, as if it were his destiny. “But I can also play on the left, anywhere really. The important thing is to always be ‘ready’ when it’s your turn,” he said, humorously noting the 41°C heat.
When asked if he has a nickname at Pinetina, Zielinski replied, “No, but the coach calls me ‘Ziello.’ I like it, I’m getting used to it.”
Speaking about his first impressions of Inzaghi, Zielinski said, “Great, both with him and the staff, we talk a lot already. Compared to the past, I have to work differently when we don’t have the ball, but these are mechanisms you learn gradually. I’ve never had such intense preparation, but it’s only a good thing: I’m sure I’ll see the benefits later.”
The transition hasn’t been entirely smooth. “The first days were a bit complex; everything was new, and it’s not easy to change after eight years. But I have to say, every day gets better. I get to know the environment more, which is healthy and makes it easy to adapt. Before coming here, I spoke with Arnautovic, who gave me advice on everything. He was right in saying I would feel at home immediately.”
Reflecting on his time in Naples, Zielinski shared, “I spent unforgettable years in Naples: I even bought a house just before leaving the city, so I’ll return. Now it’s time to live and discover Milan: I’ve found beautiful weather here too!”
Addressing a comment from his former president De Laurentiis, Zielinski laughed, “There really is fog in Poland, I’m not offended. It was just a joke, nothing more.”
On why he chose Inter, Zielinski explained, “I had other possibilities, in Italy and abroad. There were clubs willing to pay something in January, but looking at the quality of Inter’s players and how Inzaghi positioned them, I thought it was the right place. I chose the project without doubts and waited.”
Regarding offers from Saudi Arabia, he said, “When they were interested, I thought about it for a day or two, but then I decided with my family to stay in Naples: there was a lot of money involved, but life matters more to me. Now I can’t wait to play at San Siro, which is legendary: I scored there in a blue shirt, now I want to do it in black and blue.”
Zielinski acknowledged the difficulty of securing a spot in Inter’s midfield, noting, “Our midfield is among the best in Europe. And now that I’m here, it’s even stronger (laughs). Jokes aside, when you played against this midfield, you immediately noticed how intense and complete it was: as soon as they lost the ball, they attacked you. Regarding competition, I hope to play as many games as possible, but what matters is being ready because your moment will come sooner or later.”
When asked what he adds to the team, Zielinski said, “My plays, quality, but also experience because at 30, I’ve seen a few things… I want to give Inter as many goals and assists as possible.”
Comparing Inzaghi to other Italian coaches he’s had, Zielinski remarked, “I include Ancelotti too. The identity is similar, playing the ball, maintaining possession, creating chances. A DNA that belongs to this Inter and also belonged to Napoli.”
Reflecting on Napoli’s disappointing season, he said, “I can’t explain last season’s negativity. I don’t think it was just us players, but I can’t understand the real reason why everything went so wrong. Here at Inter, there’s more of a habit of winning, there’s no risk of getting carried away by enthusiasm, and this can help in achieving great results. Around me, I see only a great desire to confirm ourselves.”
On Inter’s real objective, Zielinski stated, “Besides the Scudetto, everyone’s dream can only be the Champions League. There’s nothing bigger for a player, especially since the Club World Cup is still something unknown. It’s not impossible for a team capable of reaching the final and possessing so much quality.”
When asked if Inter is the strongest team he’s played for, he said, “It’s still early to answer, but it’s certainly very strong: just look at how superior it was last year. Then to that winning core, we’ve added myself, Taremi, Martinez… I don’t know if it was better or worse, but even Sarri’s Napoli that almost won the Scudetto and Spalletti’s Napoli were spectacular. For me, though, the successes of tomorrow are always more important than those of yesterday.”
Speaking about his new teammate Taremi, Zielinski said, “He’s a good guy. Very polite and calm, he has the right mindset of a champion, focused only on scoring. What impressed me, besides his physique and ability to shield the ball, is his composure. When he gets in front of the goal, he always puts it in.”
On his midfield companions, Zielinski praised, “Calha is pure precision: his shooting and passing skills are evident, but what impresses is his defensive phase, aggression, running. Barella does everything perfectly, and what football intelligence Mkhitaryan has! It’s no coincidence that at his age, he’s still in such good shape and has played for so many great teams. You observe someone like him to learn.”
Zielinski acknowledged the challenge of competing for a spot, saying, “This year there will be more games, it will be very long, but I reiterate that I just have to be… ready.”
Regarding his jersey number, Zielinski said, “I’ve always felt good with number 20, but it’s not an obsession. It’s right that it stays with Hakan, I asked if 7 was available and then I took it. It’s a nice number, my father used it and my brother liked it too. I’ll have to buy several shirts to give away…”
As an Italian citizen, Zielinski was asked about Italy’s recent struggles under Spalletti. He responded, “It surprised me because I knew the quality of the players and the coach, who remains excellent. We all expected a different Italy, but football is often unpredictable. I hope the Azzurri return to their level, and I have no doubt it will happen soon.”
Imagining the next Inter-Napoli match in early November, Zielinski said, “I already get emotional, it will be different but beautiful. The Neapolitans love me, as I love them: I defended their colors with all my heart. Now I have to do the same with the new fans, so I’ll do everything for Inter to win.”
Finally, when asked if he’s following the Olympics, Zielinski enthusiastically replied, “I can’t miss it! It’s a shame about your Paolini, who also has Polish origins, and our Swiatek. My best tennis friend, however, remains Ubi Hurkacz, who unfortunately isn’t in Paris. The ultimate would be an Italy-Poland final for the volleyball gold, that would be fun.”
