Is he a starter? Ex-Serie A stars argue about new Inter signing

Inter are set to sign Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski on a free transfer, but Alessandro Matri believes the Poland international won’t be a starter at the Stadio Meazza.

Multiple sources in Italy confirm Zielinski will join Inter on a free transfer from Napoli at the end of the season when his contract with the Partenopei ends.

DAZN pundits Matri, Riccardo Motolivo and Marco Parolo, three former Serie A players, argued over Zielinski’s status next season when he will join what’s widely seen as the best midfield in the league.

Montolivo, quoted by TMW, said, “Inter have signed a regular starter in Zielinski. He is so strong.” However, former Juventus striker Matri didn’t seem to agree: “Inter are already covered in that position with Mkhitaryan and Frattesi,” the 39-year-old argued.

Parolo, on the other hand, insisted Inter did the right thing in signing Zielinski, regardless of Simone Inzaghi’s decisions in 2024-25: “It is a free transfer, so Inter did the right thing.”

Zielinski, 29, has found the net three times in 26 Serie A appearances with Napoli this season, including a goal against Monza in a thrilling 4-2 win at the U-Power Stadium today.

The Poland international had joined the Partenopei for €16m from Udinese in 2016.