Inter Milan Midfielder Revives Career Under Cristian Chivu As Coach Considers Selection For Napoli Test | OneFootball

Inter vs Napoli could mark another important chapter for Piotr Zielinski, with Cristian Chivu’s faith in the midfielder now fully rewarded after a remarkable turnaround.

According to Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, Zielinski has climbed the pecking order step by step, overtaking both Henrikh Mkhitaryan and initially Sucic to establish himself as a central option in midfield.

It is a sharp contrast to last summer, when a possible exit from Inter was widely discussed.

The newspaper suggests last season now looks like the real anomaly.

Zielinski’s quality never disappeared, and the decisive factor has been his connection with Chivu.

Inter Vs Napoli – Zielinski Improves Massively Under Chivu

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 20: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano attends a press conference ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Urawa Red Diamonds at Lumen Field on June 20, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

The Polish international himself has admitted that the spark never truly ignited under Simone Inzaghi.

However, the current coach has allowed him to express his football again.

The numbers back up his resurgence.

Zielinski has registered three goals and one assist in 23 appearances.

He has started 11 times and spent just three matches entirely on the bench, the last back in early October.

He was also involved in the reverse fixture in Naples, coming on after Mkhitaryan’s injury.

Now, ahead of Sunday night at San Siro, Zielinski is hoping to play a leading role.

A strong performance against his former club could deliver another jolt to the title race.

And indeed confirm his revival as one of Inter’s most significant stories of the season.