Piotr Zielinski opened up about his free transfer to Inter, his difficult final season with Napoli and the team’s ambitions in the Champions League.
The 30-year-old Polish midfielder joined the Nerazzurri at the start of last month after his contract expired with the Partenopei, putting pen to paper on a three-year deal with an option for a fourth worth circa €4.5m net per season.
Zielinski proved himself to be one of the top midfielders in Serie A during his eight-year spell with Napoli, where he scored 51 goals and provided 46 assists across 364 appearances. During that time, he won the Scudetto and one Coppa Italia title.
Zielinski interview
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Zielinski was first asked if he’s been given a nickname at Inter yet.
“No, but the coach calls me ‘Ziello’. I like it, I’m getting used to it.”
He spoke about his early work with Simone Inzaghi.
“Excellent, both with him and with his staff, we already talk a lot. Compared to the past, I have to work differently when we don’t have the ball, but these are movements that you learn a little at a time. I’ve never trained so hard before, but that’s only good, I’m sure I’ll see the effects later on.”
Zielinski reflected on his first few days with Inter.
“The first few days were a bit complex, everything was new and then it’s not easy to change after eight years. But I have to say that every day is getting better and better, I know the environment a little more, which is healthy and so it’s easy to adapt.
“Before I came, I spoke to Arnautovic, I asked him for advice on everything, he was right to say that I would fit in immediately.”
He commented on the differences between Milan and Naples.
“I spent unforgettable years in Naples, I even bought a house there shortly before leaving, so I will go back. Now it’s time to live and discover Milan, I’ve found beautiful sunshine here too!”
Zielinski explained why he decided to join Inter on a free transfer.
“I had other options, in Italy and abroad. There were also clubs willing to pay something in January, but looking at the quality of Inter’s players and the way they were played by Inzaghi, I thought it was the right place. I chose the project without doubts or waiting.”
He was asked about any interest from Saudi Arabia.
“When they were looking for me, 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 at stake, but I’m more interested in life.
“Now I can’t wait to play at the San Siro, which is legendary, I scored there in the Azzurri jersey, now I want to do it in a black and blue shirt.”
Zielinski discussed the quality of Inter’s midfield.
“Ours is one of the best midfields in Europe. And now that I have arrived, it is even stronger! Joking aside, when you played against this midfield you immediately realised how intense, how complete it was, as soon as they lose the ball, they attack you.
“As for the competition, I hope to play as many games as possible, but what counts is to be ready because your moment will come sooner or later.”
He spoke about what he adds to the department.
“My plays, of quality, but also experience because at 30 years old I have seen everything…. I want to give Inter as many goals and assists as possible.”
Zielinski was asked where Inzaghi ranks up compared to his previous coaches like Luciano Spalletti and Maurizio Sarri.
“I’d put Ancelotti there too. The identity is similar, that of playing the ball, keeping possession, creating chances. A DNA that belongs to this Inter and also belonged to Napoli.”
He reflected on Napoli’s difficulties last season.
“Last year’s negative season, I simply cannot explain it. I don’t think it was only down to us players, but I can’t understand why it all went so wrong.
“Let’s say that here at Inter there’s more habit of winning, there’s no risk of getting too caught up in the enthusiasm and this can help in repeating great results. All I see around me is a great desire to confirm things.”
Zielinski spoke about the real goals of this Inter.
“Besides the Scudetto, everyone’s dream can only be the Champions League. There is nothing greater for a player, also because the World Cup is still something unknown. It’s not impossible for a team capable of making it all the way to the final and possessing so much quality.”
He was asked if this Nerazzurri were the strongest team he’s played in.
“It’s still too early to answer, but they’re certainly strong, just look at how superior they were last year. Then that winning skeleton was joined by me, Taremi, Martinez…
“I don’t know if it was better or worse, but even Sarri’s Napoli that came close to the Scudetto and Spalletti’s Napoli were spectacular. For me, however, the successes of tomorrow are always more important than those of yesterday.”
Zielinski gave his thoughts on Mehdi Taremi.
“A good guy. Polite and calm, he has the right head of a champion, he is only focused on scoring goals. The thing that impressed me, apart from his physique and ability to defend the ball, is his coolness. When he gets in front of the goal, he always shoots it in.”
He spoke about his fellow midfielders.
“Calha is pure precision, his qualities in shooting and dribbling are obvious, but what impresses is the defensive phase, the aggression, the running.
“Barella knows how to do everything perfectly, and then what footballing intelligence does Mkhitaryan have! It’s no coincidence that at his age he is still so fit and has played for so many great teams. A guy like that you watch to learn.”
Zielinski touched on how he’ll have to fight for his chance.
“This year there’ll be more matches, it’ll be very long, but I reiterate that I just have to be… warmed up.”
He was asked if he minds changing shirt numbers, considering that Hakan Calhanoglu has his number 20.
“I’ve always been happy with it, but it’s certainly not an obsession. It’s right for Hakan to keep it, I asked if seven was free 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.”
Zielinski weighed in on Italy’s work at Euro 2024.
“I was surprised because I knew the quality of the players and the coach, who remains very good. We all expected another Italy, but football is often unpredictable. I hope the Azzurri will return to their level and I have no doubt it will happen immediately.”
He looked ahead to his first match against Napoli.
“I’m already getting excited, it will be different but great. The Neapolitans love me, as I love them. I defended their colours with all my heart. Now I have to do the same with the new fans, that’s why I will do everything for Inter to win.”
Finally, Zielinski spoke about the Paris Olympics.
“I can’t miss it! Too bad for your Paolini, who by the way also has Polish origins, and our Swiatek. The best tennis friend, however, remains Ubi Hurkacz, who unfortunately is not in Paris. Now the best would be an Italy-Poland final for volleyball gold, we would have fun there.”