Strength In Depth & Versatility – Ex Napoli Star Reflects “Surgical” Inter Milan Squad-Building | OneFootball

Midfielder Piotr Zielinski is the perfect example of the “surgical” approach Inter Milan have taken to squad-building.

This is the view in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.

Considering Inter’s rampant form in Serie A last season, it was not easy to see how the squad could improve.

But in terms of depth, the midfield was perhaps an area of concern for the Nerazzurri.

The starting trio was hardly the problem. All of Henrikh Mkhtaryan, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Nicolo Barella were key players for Inter.

And younger midfielders like Davide Frattesi and Kristjan Asllani look capable of plenty of growth.

However, last season Inter relied on a couple of fringe players for extra midfield depth.

Both of Davy Klaassen and Stefano Sensi had roles as backup midfielders for Inter last season. However, neither featured with any sort of regularity.

Piotr ZIelinski Reflects “Surgical” Inter Milan Squad-Building

Both Klaassen and Sensi left Inter during the summer transfer window. That was hardly a surprise, particularly with both out of contract.

And Inter certainly looked to a high-profile player to replace the duo.

Starting in the winter, the Nerazzurri capitalized on the situation of Polish international Zielinski at Napoli.

Zielinski’s contract with the Partenopei was expiring at the end of June. And he was starting to seriously consider his future.

Inter convinced Zielinski that theirs was the right project for him after eight years in Naples.

The 30-year-old is, on paper, a fairly similar fit in Inter’s squad as Klaassen and Sensi.

Zielinski is a technically proficient, versatile player. He has the right profile and qualities to back up players like Barella and, in particular, Mkhitaryan.

Moreover, Zielinski showed over the international break with Poland that he is even capable of playing in holding midfield.

However, one thing is clear. Zielinski is far more than just a backup option.

The Polish international ensures that Inter have a genuinely starting-quality option to both back up and compete for starts with last season’s main men in midfield.

In the view of the Gazzetta, this is proof of a “surgical” approach to the transfer market and squad improvements from the Nerazzurri.