Poland Midfielder Set To Start For Inter Milan Vs Empoli As Albania Star Not Fit Yet | OneFootball

Piotr Zielinski should register his second Serie A start for Inter Milan ahead of Kristjan Asllani in Wednesday’s match against Empoli.

According to Sky Sport, as reported by FCInterNews, the Albania international is still not ‘100% fit’ and will likely start on the bench.

Zielinski, who joined Inter as a free agent in the summer, made his first league start for the Nerazzurri last weekend.

It was a memorable full debut for the Polish midfielder.

He netted two first-half penalties in a remarkable 4-4 Derby d’Italia draw against Juventus.

With Hakan Calhanoglu still out injured, Simone Inzaghi has a decision to make in the first midweek round of 2024/25.

Zielinski filled the Turkish star’s shoes on Sunday and excelled.

However, Asllani was the front-runner to start at Stadio Carlo Castellani tomorrow.

Unfortunately, he hasn’t regained full fitness, meaning the 30-year-old ex-Napoli ace should retain his place in the starting XI.

Piotr Zielinski Set To Start for Inter Milan vs Empoli As Kristjan Asllani Not Fit Yet

Asllani has been out of the fold since returning from October’s international break.

Indeed, he bagged a winner in Albania’s 1-0 triumph against Georgia.

But he injured himself in the process.

While Inzaghi hoped to have the 23-year-old fit and firing for Wednesday’s trip to Tuscany, he’ll need to wait a while longer.

Instead, he’ll turn to Zielinski again.

The Polish superstar should line up alongside Davide Frattesi and Nicolo Barella in the engine room.

Barella wasn’t at his best against Juventus and will look to atone against Empoli.

As for Frattesi, he started Sunday’s derby clash on the bench.

Meanwhile, Inzaghi has yet to choose between Matteo Darmian and Denzel Dumfries at right wingback.

The latter scored last weekend but had several erratic defensive interventions.

Therefore, Darmian could return to the starting XI tomorrow, with Inter seeking a seventh successive away win against Empoli.