The Italian press were disappointed by the work of Piotr Zielinski in Poland’s World Cup opener against Mexico, which ended 0-0.
The 28-year-old Pole plays a key role in Luciano Spalletti’s Napoli squad, being the beating heart of the midfield and the driving force going forward. Zielinski has scored six goals and provided seven assists in 21 games across Serie A and the Champions League this season, and expectations were high for him ahead of the World Cup.
Unfortunately for Zielinski and Poland, the Napoli midfielder was fairly anonymous in their World Cup opener against Mexico. He took 36 touches, completed 19 passes and created two chances, struggling to provide star striker Robert Lewandowski with much of note.
La Gazzetta dello Sport suggested that Zielinski was out of position and left out of the game, whilst Tuttosport noted that he was out of gas, possibly after such a tiring start to the season with Napoli.
Zielinski’s ratings in the Italian newspapers:
La Gazzetta dello Sport: 5.5
Corriere dello Sport: 5
Tuttosport: 5.5
Always disappoints, too often absent, please let Ndombele have the opportunity, such energy and always tries to go forward and break the lines, obvious difference.