Ex Napoli Star On Reason For Substitution In Inter Milan Vs Juventus Serie A Clash: ‘I Asked To Be Taken Off’ | OneFootball

Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zielinski says that that he asked to be substituted off during today’s 4-4 Serie A thriller against Juventus.

The Polish international spoke to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews, after the end of the breathless match.

Zielinski got his first ever start for Inter in Serie A this evening. And it was in a massive match.

Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi decided to give the Pole the nod, playing in holding midfield with Hakan Calhanoglu absent through injury and Kristjan Asllani not at his best.

It was an eventful debut from Zielinski.

The 30-year-old wasn’t only filling in for Calhanoglu as Inter’s holding midfielder. He also took the Turkish international’s place as the regular penalty-taker.

And since Inter received two first-half penalties, that meant that Zielinski was facing plenty of pressure from the spot.

But the former Napoli midfielder coolly dispatched both of his efforts.

Beyond those penalties, Zielinski put in a very impressive performance in his first league start for Inter, playing in a position that isn’t his usual role.

Therefore, it was a bit surprising to see the Pole come off midway through the second half.

Inter Midfielder Piotr Zielinski Confirms: “I Asked To Be Substituted” Vs Juventus

“It’s a shame we weren’t able to bring home the three points,” Zielinski said after the match.

Inter scored the opener, then went 2-1 down. They came back to have a 4-2 lead, but then squandered it and the match finished a remarkable 4-4 scoreline.

And as for the reason for his substitution, Zielinski said that “My thigh flexores were feeling some fatigue.”

“The pitch wasn’t in great condition. My legs were starting to feel it, and I asked to be taken off.”

As for playing in holding midfield, Zielinski said that “I feel good playing that position.”

“But I prefer to play further forward,” the Pole admitted.

“I play wherever the coach puts me. That’s how it was today.”