Piotr Zieliński is a Polish association football player who has established a significant presence in Italian football. A midfielder, he is best known for his successful tenure at Napoli, where he helped the club win the 2022–23 Serie A title. He has represented the Poland national team more than 100 times, appearing in multiple international tournaments.
Piotr Sebastian Zieliński made his Serie A debut on 2 November 2012, entering as a substitute for Antonio Di Natale during a match against Cagliari. Since that initial appearance, the Polish midfielder has established a significant presence in Italian football, moving from Udinese to Empoli before joining Napoli and eventually Inter Milan, while representing Poland on the international stage more than 100 times.
Early Development and Transition to Italy
Born in Ząbkowice Śląskie in 1994, Zieliński began his formal training at the local club Orzeł Ząbkowice Śląskie under his father's guidance. At age 14, he moved to the Zagłębie Lubin academy, where he spent four years competing in the Młoda Ekstraklasa League. Despite interest from clubs such as Bayer Leverkusen and Liverpool, he moved to Italy at age 17 to sign with Udinese. He initially competed in the Campionato Nazionale Primavera, eventually securing his first starting appearance in April 2013 against Parma.
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In 2014, Zieliński joined Empoli on a season-long loan, later extending his tenure. He made his official debut against AS Roma in August 2014. During his time at Empoli, he developed under coach Maurizio Sarri, accumulating 63 appearances and scoring 5 goals across all competitions. His performance during the 2015–16 season, which included goals against AC Milan and Fiorentina, signaled his readiness for a move to a top-tier Italian side.
Napoli Tenure and Success
Zieliński joined Napoli in 2016 for a reported fee of 16 million euros. Over eight seasons, he appeared in 364 official matches for the club. His time in Naples was defined by sustained consistency, including a debut in the Champions League against Dynamo Kyiv in September 2016. He was a central figure in the squad that won the Coppa Italia and the 2022–23 Serie A title, the latter marking the club's first league championship in 33 years. Following his departure in 2024, he transferred to Inter Milan.
International Representation
Zieliński has represented the Poland national team since 2013, having previously participated in the under-16 and under-17 youth levels. He has earned over 100 caps for the senior national team, contributing 16 goals. His tournament experience includes UEFA Euro 2016 in France, where Poland reached the quarter-finals, along with the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, UEFA Euro 2020, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany. In 2023, he received the Polish Footballer of the Year award.
Fast facts
- Born: 20 May 1994, Ząbkowice Śląskie
- Professional debut: 2012
- Napoli appearances: 364
- Poland national team caps: Over 100
- 2023 accolade: Polish Footballer of the Year
- Primary position: Midfielder
- Notable club move: €16 million transfer to Napoli in 2016
Questions readers ask
Which clubs has Piotr Zieliński played for in Serie A?
He has played for Udinese, Empoli, Napoli, and Inter Milan.
Did Zieliński win a Serie A title?
Yes, he was a member of the Napoli squad that won the Serie A title in the 2022–23 season.
