Nicola Zalewski admits he is trying to learn from Leonardo Spinazzola, because he is changing role for Roma, and reveals why he chose to play for Poland rather than Italy.
The Giallorossi youth academy product made a crucial mark in this evening’s Conference League semi-final draw away to Leicester City, providing the inspired assist for Lorenzo Pellegrini’s opening goal.
“I thought it was a good performance, we need to improve in some areas, but we have a big game coming up on Sunday and will give it our all in both that match with Bologna and the second leg next Thursday,” the 20-year-old told Sky Sport Italia.
Zalewski was not a wing-back in the Roma youth team, he played a more central attacking midfield role, but has been remarkably effective since becoming a regular in recent months.
“Let’s just say at times I make a few errors when defending, but I’m happy that my teammates always give me words of comfort. When I have the ball at my feet, the coach asks me to just do what I always have done, which is take men on.
“If their winger is very aggressive and Ibanez can’t get there, I sit a little deeper to cover. Tonight the plan for me and Karsdorp was to attack, stay high and track their winger.
“Spinazzola is a great player, I can admire him more now because he is so good at being a wing-back. Now he is back in training with us, I try to learn from him in every session.”
Zalewski now has two assists in five Conference League games, making 18 competitive appearances this season.
Although he was born in Italy, his parents were both from Poland and his father got to watch from the stands when he made his senior Poland international debut in September 2021, just weeks before his death from cancer.
“There was the option of playing for Italy, I heard of some interest, but out of respect for the Polish national team and my family, I always went for the Polish side. I feel Polish 100 per cent.”
The captain takes charge 😤
Nicola Zalewski loses his marker with ease, sliding in Pellegrini who slides it past Schmeichel!
Leicester’s good start undone 👊#UECL pic.twitter.com/Tx6Sz7zGDN
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 28, 2022
He has great talent, I love this guy