Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zielinski spoke highly of his clubmate Hakan Calhanoglu in the aftermath of a 4-0 rout of Red Star Belgrade.
During his post-game interview with Inter TV, as reported by FCInterNews, Zielinski congratulated the Turkey international for a sublime free-kick.
Calhanoglu scored his first direct free kick for Inter in the Champions League to break the deadlock in the 11th minute.
Interestingly, it was the Italian powerhouse’s first direct set-piece strike at Europe’s top table in 14 years.
Though he was around 30 yards out, the former AC Milan playmaker showcased his devastating shooting potential to beat Omri Glazer.
As it turned out, Calhanoglu’s goal opened the floodgate as Inter hammered Red Star afterward.
Zielinski failed to get his name on the board. However, he fared well in only his second start for Simone Inzaghi’s side.
Indeed, the Poland international made his maiden Inter start in the previous Champions League round.
That time, he helped the Nerazzurri weather the storm at the Etihad Stadium and hold Manchester City to a scoreless draw.
Tonight, though, he had much more freedom in attack.
Unfortunately, he failed to make it count. Nonetheless, he held up his end of the bargain in the build-up play.
Inter Milan Midfielder Piotr Zielinski Heaps Praise on Free-Kick Specialist Hakan Calhanoglu After Red Star Thumping
Inter entered the game as favorites, and they lived up to that tag.
“In the end, our qualities came out and we are satisfied with the victory,” Zielinski stated.
Calhanoglu’s superbly-taken free-kick is already in contention for the best goal in midweek European action.
Zielinski looked in awe as the Turkish star powered his long-range rocket into the net.
“It was important to start well, Calhanoglu scored a great goal, he has a magic foot,” he admitted.
“We created a lot of chances to score even more goals, but it was important to win and we are satisfied with the result.
“Now we have to be even more excited to continue winning and get even more results like this.”