‘Inzaghi Is Cooking’ – Poland Star Emerges As Secret Weapon For Inter Milan | OneFootball

Simone Inzaghi has managed to turn versatiole wingback Nicola Zalewski into Inter Milan’s secret weapon over the second half of the season.

Italian outlet FCInterNews highlight the Pole’s impressive emergence into the Nerazzurri team since arriving in January.

Inter Milan completed a deal to sign Nicola Zalewski right at the end of the January transfer window.

The Nerazzurri signed the 23-year-old on loan from Roma after the departure of Tajon Buchanan.

Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi had really pushed for the signing of Zalewski. He was a big admirer of the Polish international, and sensed a bit opportunity considering his contract situation at Roma.

In fact, the Nerazzurri got a deal through the day before the Milan derby against AC Milan.

Zalewski slotted straight into the Inter squad. And less than 24 hours after signing for the club, he came off the bench against the Rossoneri.

It could hardly have been a more memorable debut for Zalewski. In a derby, he assisted Stefan de Vrij’s equalizer in stoppage time.

Inzaghi Turns Nicola Zalewski Into Inter Milan’s Secret Weapon

TURIN, ITALY – MAY 11: Nicola Zalewski of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Torino and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 11, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Nicola Zalewski had some ups and downs after that dream debut.

There was always going to be a bit of a settling-in period.

And that was further complicated by a nasty calf injury which kept Zalewski on the sidelines for a few weeks.

Therefore, it was a couple of months before Zalewski got his first start for Inter.

However, since the start of April, the Polish international has really started to show his quality in a Nerazzurri shirt.

Zalewski has received plenty of playing time for Inter between Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League. Both from the start and from the bench.

Furthermore, Zalewski’s versatility has made him a key asset for Inter.

The 23-year-old’s favoured position is at left-wingback. However, he has also proven capable of doing a job on the right flank when he’s needed there.

Moreover, in the Serie A run-in, with Inzaghi needing to rotate around Champions League matches, the coach has found a new position for Zalewski.

The Pole has played in attacking midfield in a 3-4-2-1 shape. This has constituted one of the rare times that Inzaghi has changed the formation.

That role has really gotten the best out of Zalewski. And the Pole’s energy and technical ability in tight spaces have allowed Inter to gel playing in the 3-4-2-1 system.

As such, it looks very clear that Zalewski has a future at Inter under Inzaghi.

Particularly after he picked up a calf injury in the spring, there was a real fear that Zalewski would end up returning to Roma after his half-season loan ended.

However, there is no hint of that now. The Polish international has fully earned his place and repaid the faith of Inzaghi.

Inter will sign Zalewski on a permanent basis at the end of the campaign.