Napoli explain Zielinski status with Milan start

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BySusy Campanale

Feb 11, 2024 19:27

Napoli director Mauro Meluso explains why Piotr Zielinski is chosen to start against Milan this evening, despite his imminent transfer to Inter.

It kicks off at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, also known as San Siro, at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the LIVEBLOG.

Zielinski returns to the starting XI with Mario Rui suspended and Victor Osimhen at the Africa Cup of Nations, where his Nigeria play the Ivory Coast in tonight’s Final.

Alex Meret was also back in the squad, but is not even on the bench due to gastroenteritis.

Zielinski has been left off the Champions League squad list, reportedly because he refused to sign a new contract and is expected to join Inter as a free agent.

“This choice was made by the coach, with no obstacles placed by the club, which confirms that we have nothing against Zielinski,” director Meluso told DAZN.

“We feel he is a valuable player who can give us a great deal until the end of his contract. He was left off the UEFA list because the rules are different to the Serie A squad lists, so we had to make a tactical decision.

“Even if Zielinski did not renew his contract with us, we have nothing against him. He gave Napoli a great deal and received plenty from the fans too. He is a professional and we trust he can conclude the season well with us.”

The Partenopei have an excellent recent record in this fixture, winning their last three Serie A visits to San Siro in a row.

They are unbeaten here in the league since a 2-0 result in December 2014, emerging with five victories and three draws.

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— Official SSC Napoli (@sscnapoli) February 11, 2024