The story of Nicola Zalewski

Each of us is a distillment of our experiences, ties, cultures and emotions which define who we are and what we desire. Souls with different facets but a passion for football is like the North Star: in this way, we can try to recount Nicola Zalewski, the new Nerazzurri player.

Born on 23 January 2002 in Tivoli, Nicola is the son of Krzysztof and Ewa, two Poles who came to Italy in 1988 from Lomza full of hope and faith in the future. The Zalewski family settled in Poli, a small town in Lazio with around 2,000 citizens. Here, young Nicola grew up and learnt about the world, surrounded by the Prenestini mountains and the Roman countryside.

His passion for football was also born in Poli: at six years old, Zalewski began to play for Nouva Spes, his town’s team. His home looked onto the sports centre: Nicola was the youngest kid at the club but every time he would show up to the pitch with a ball under his arm asking to play. A strong calling, an unstoppable passion, so much so that the young boy was always the last to leave, called home by his mother Ewa at the window whilst the sun went down and the sky shifted its colours behind Monte Guadgnolo.

In 2010, he went to Zagarolo and whilst playing a tournament in his new colours, he made an impression on a Roma scout: Bruno Conti decided to bring him into the Giallorossi fold. At 9 years old he joined the Roma youth set-up, the side would help him grow and achieve his dream. He remained in Poli until the Under-14 level when his father and number 1 fan Krzysztof accompanied him to Trigoria, supporting and encouraging him endlessly. With his humility, application and spirit of sacrifice, Nicola was increasingly appreciated by his coaches and teammates, right up to the point of making his senior debut at 19 on 6 May 2021, in the second leg of the Europa League semi-final against Manchester United. Roma won 3-2 and Zalewski was decisive in forcing an own goal that secured the Giallorossi win, though they did not qualify for the final.

Thus began a new chapter for Nicola: three days later he made his Serie A debut, providing an assist in the 5-0 win over Crotone. In the following season, he established himself as a regular first-team player. Born a full-back, he was generally played on the left by José Mourinho who noticed his skills, gifted with good running ability, resistance and capacity for dribbling. On 25 May 2022, he started the Conference League final against Feyenoord, Roma won the trophy and Nicola had the first big success of his professional career.

Born and raised in Italy, Nicola has represented the Poland national team from a young age, in honour of his parents: his whole family were there on 5 September 2021 in Serravalle when Nicola made his senior debut for Poland in the World Cup 2022 qualifying game against San Marino. An evening full of happiness and tears for Ewa and Krzysztof. Nicola plays for him: for his father Krzystof who passed away a few days after that game and for his entire family who have always been alongside him. Zalewski has played the World Cup 2022 and Euro 2024 with Poland, having reached the final phase on penalties following the draw with Wales.

Now, after 123 appearances and two goals for Roma, Nicola has become the second Polish player in Inter history, joining his international teammate Piotr Zielinski. Family, dreams and memory: these are the guiding principles as Zalewski begins a new chapter in his career. A chapter shaded in Nerazzurro which began with a brilliant debut and the key assist in the derby against AC Milan, an unforgettable night for him.