Poland Star Praised For High Impact Sub Appearance In Inter Milan 0-3 AC Milan Coppa Italia Crashout | OneFootball

Nicola Zalewski has won praised for a bright display off the bench for Inter Milan in yesterday’s Coppa Italia loss to AC Milan.

Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, argue that the Pole made an impact – even if it wasn’t enough.

Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi turned to Nicola Zalewski as one of a raft of second half substitutions yesterday.

The Nerazzurri coach made four changes in one fell swoop. He looked to address a team that was clearly flagging in the second half.

That wasn’t enough from Inzaghi. Inter went on to lose 3-0 to their city rivals Milan.

However, in the case of Zalewski, the 23-year-old did exactly what he was put on to do.

Nicola Zalewski Praised For Impact Sub In Inter 0-3 AC Milan Loss

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 23: Nicola Zalewski of FC Internazionale is challenged by Youssouf Fofana of AC Milan during the coppa Italia Semi Final match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Nicola Zalewski took the place of Federico Dimarco down Inter’s left flank.

Zalewski has a very different profile than Dimarco. He is more of a fast, direct, and physical wingback.

And that was exactly what Inter needed in a match where they struggled to assert themselves.

After coming on, Zalewski made himself a real outlet on Inter’s left side. He was able to get past his defender on a few occasions and put dangerous balls into the box.

The Polish international made it harder for the duo of Fiyako Tomori and Alex Jimenez to push Inter back.

That was not enough on the night. But it was a positive sign that Zalewski can offer Inter something different in the battle down his flank.