Inter Milan New Boy On Dramatic Derby Debut Vs AC Milan: ‘Last Few Hours Have Been A Rollercoaster’ | OneFootball

Nicola Zalewski admits that it’s been a “rollercoaster” since he’s joined Inter Milan and made his debut in the derby against AC Milan.

The Polish international spoke to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews. He reacted to the 1-1 draw in which he came off the bench and made his first assist as an Inter player.

Wingback Nicola Zalewski only made his move to Inter official yesterday.

The 23-year-old joined the Nerazzurri on loan from Roma.

That meant that Zalewski was able to be in the Inter squad for this weekend’s match. And it was a big one – he was available for the derby against AC Milan.

Of course, Zalewski did not start this evening’s clash with the Rossoneri.

However, the Pole did come off the bench. Inter coach Simone Inzaghi turned to him as he went in search of an equalizer.

Inter had not been looking at their most incisive in attack. Therefore, the hope was evidently that Zalewski would add some unpredictability in possession.

Nicola Zalewski: “Inter Signing & Debut Vs AC Milan A Rollercoaster”

Nicola Zalewski was not lacking confidence in his first ever substitute appearance for Inter.

The Polish international saw a fair bit of the ball, although he was not quite able to create anything telling.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 05: Nicola Zalewski of Poland celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A1 match between Scotland and Poland at on September 05, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Not, that is, until stoppage time.

It was Zalewski who made the run to latch onto the ball, and played it across the face of goal. This gave Stefan de Vrij the chance to turn it in and salvage a point for Inter.

Less than 24 hours, Zalewski was not an Inter player.

But now, the 23-year-old has written a place for himself into the history of the Milan derby.

After the match, Nicola Zalewski said that “The last few hours have certainly been a rollercoaster for me.”

“We rushed through everything yesterday so I’d be available today,” he noted.

“It was an unlucky match for us,” Zalewski added. “But we did well to keep believing in it right until the end.”