Inter: Zielinski reveals Lautaro’s message after World Cup play-off exit
Inter midfielder Piotr Zielinski reveals Lautaro Martinez texted him after the Poland national team lost in the World Cup play-off Final against Sweden: ‘These are the small but big things that change your mindset.’
Inter are preparing for a crucial Serie A match against Como on Sunday.
The Nerazzurri are the Serie A table leaders with a seven-point advantage over second-placed Napoli, but will travel to Como without Lautaro Martinez, who has suffered another calf injury.
Zielinski: Inter will ‘do everything to win’ two titles
“Seven matches to do. We’ll do everything to win it [the title]. We’re in great shape,” Zielinski told Corriere dello Sport.
“After the break, between training sessions and the match against Roma, it was immediately clear that something had changed. Everyone came back with the right energy. And those who were coming off a disappointment with their national team put it behind them.”
The Nerazzurri beat Roma 5-2 last week, ending a three-game winless streak. Before their last match, the Inter players had an open conversation inside the dressing room to address their problems.
“These are always valuable moments. We needed to talk things through. We told ourselves that to truly win, we had to shift gears and accelerate,” Zinelinski revealed.
“Disappointments with the national team must turn into extra motivation to win the title. Winning has been our goal since the beginning of our season.”
Lautaro Martinez will miss the next two weeks of action, but remains a key player in the team.
“He’s a leader and an example. A fundamental presence, as well as a key player,” Zielinski said.
“He’s a champion on the pitch and also a special person off it. Right after Poland’s defeat to Sweden, he sent me a message of encouragement to lift me before I returned to Milan. He did the same with the Italian players. These are the small but big things that change your mindset. At that point, you want to give everything for him, for the team and the club.”
The Nerazzurri are also involved in the Coppa Italia semifinal, but were eliminated in the Champions League knockout play-off in February.
“I want to make clear that we didn’t underestimate Bodo/Glimt,” Zielinski argued.
“We all had in mind their wins against Atletico Madrid and Manchester City. There was the issue of the pitch in Norway, but we certainly could have done more. In the second leg at San Siro, we were convinced we could come back. Unfortunately, this is part of football. A year ago, we came close to winning almost everything, and in the end, we got nothing. Let’s leave the European disappointment behind us and focus on the two trophies we can and must win.”
Zielinski struggled with playing time under Simone Inzaghi in 2025-26, but has become a regular starter under Cristian Chivu this term.
“I also had a great relationship with Inzaghi. He was one of the people who wanted me here. I’m sorry I couldn’t contribute as much as I wanted. It was still a fantastic season,” said the ex-Napoli star.
“The Champions League Final didn’t go well, but reaching it was unique.
“What I can say about Chivu is that he’s a special person to me. When he arrived, I was still injured. He spoke to me and gave me confidence, making it clear he wanted to count on me. I worked to recover as quickly as possible. He knew my qualities, but he wanted to see them in every training session. I’m happy he’s the Inter coach.”
