Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zielinski has urged his teammates not to underestimate upcoming rivals Kairat Almaty.

Speaking to Sky Sport via FCInterNews, the 31-year-old hailed the Kazakh champions as an ‘interesting team.’

Cristian Chivu could make history tonight and become the first manager to win his first four Champions League games without conceding.

Indeed, the Serie A runners-up have won their opening three league-phase outings by a combined score of 9-0.

Furthermore, tonight’s clash has all the makings of a ‘must-win’ affair, given the difficulty of the last four matches.

In stark contrast, Kairat have only picked up one point so far in their maiden appearance in the competition’s main draw.

It’s hardly surprising that the odds remain heavily stacked against the visitors.

After multi-goal margin defeats to Sporting CP and Real Madrid, they seem destined for another disappointing result.

Meanwhile, Piotr Zielinski starts in the midfield after scoring a sensational volley against Hellas Verona on Sunday.

Inter Milan Star Piotr Zielinski Hails Kairat Almaty

Piotr Zielinski Inter Milan
BARI, ITALY – AUGUST 16: Piotr Zielinski of Inter during Pre-Season Friendly match between FC Internazionale and Olympiacos FC at Stadio San Nicola on August 16, 2025 in Bari, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

“On paper, everyone will think it can be easy, but it won’t be so,” Zielinski said.

“We’ve seen that they are an interesting team with quality players, and so we must stay alert.

“They made it through four rounds of qualifiers, they’re going to enjoy this competition, and they will do everything to make things difficult for us.”

Then, he discussed his goal against Verona.

“I was extremely happy to have scored, also because I hadn’t done so in a long time,” he added.  

“Nice ball from Calha, and it came as a great goal, I’m pleased. But now we focus on today’s game, which is very important.”

Zielinski Urges Inter Not to Underestimate Kairat

Piotr Zielinski Inter Milan
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 27: Piotr Zielinski of FC Internazionale scores his team’s first goal from a penalty kick during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 27, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, speaking to Prime via FCInterNews, Zielinski urged his teammates not to take Kairat lightly. 

“It’s important to have confidence,” Zielinski said. “The more games I play, the more I can help the team.

“The coach is good with everyone; I hope to continue this way.

“Certainly, we didn’t know much about our opponents at first, then our staff did well to show us all the situations.

“They’re a team with interesting players. And they’re going to come here to give their all and to enjoy the moment.

“They don’t lack character – they went through four qualifying rounds. So we’ll need a serious match; we must not underestimate them.”

Finally, he commented on his wonder goal again.

“Let’s just say it was about time. I’d been missing the goal for a long time.

“I’m happy for the goal, but above all for the win, which was hard-fought and important.”