Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zielinski praised Cristian Chivu after last night’s thrilling 4-0 victory over Royale Union SG. 

Speaking to SportMediaset via FCInter1908, the 31-year-old hailed the new manager’s impact at San Siro.

Zielinski took Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s place in the midfield, registering only his second competitive start of the season.

However, the former Napoli playmaker performed well, perhaps announcing his long-awaited return to form.

Indeed, the Polish star has been a shadow of his former self since swapping Naples for Milan in the summer of 2024.

Last season was disappointing for Zielinski as he couldn’t establish himself as a regular starter under Simone Inzaghi.

Yet, Cristian Chivu could turn his fortunes around this term.

The 44-year-old has done a great job recovering his squad from several mental blows at the end of last season.

Therefore, it’s no coincidence that Piotr Zielinski looked far sharper last night than he did throughout last season.

Piot Zielinski Praises Cristian Chivu After Royale Union SG 0-4 Inter Milan

Cristian Chivu Inter Milan
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu gesturesduring the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“We were aware of the difficulties, but not so many at the start,” Zielinski said. “After a couple of shocks, we woke up and put things right.

“They are an excellent team, and it was expected that, in front of their crowd and with intensity, they could cause problems.

“But what mattered was winning. We showed a lot of quality and kept a clean sheet.”

Meanwhile, he hailed Inter’s outstanding form in the Champions League.

“The league table is looking good, and we’ll keep moving forward step by step,” Zielinski added. “The approach could have been different.

“They created chances, but we were smart not to concede. Credit also goes to the opponents.

“They prepared set pieces well, and we need to improve in that regard. But the important thing was winning.

“We showed great quality and are enjoying it.”

Furthermore, Zielinski waxed lyrical about Chivu.

“The coach is fantastic, he puts everyone at the center.

“He watches us in training, sees our form, and gives us opportunities in matches. We are all ready.

“The wonderful thing he does is make everyone play, rotating the squad. It’s good not to have just 11 starters playing all the time.

“Those on the bench must always be ready to contribute, as it should be in great teams.”

Finally, he previewed Inter’s upcoming Serie A clash against Napoli.

“There will certainly be a desire to win; it’s our objective.

“We’re only at matchday eight, and there’s time.

“But we will go there to play our game and try to bring the three points back to Milan, which are important.”