Zambrotta on Lewandowski exit and Zieliński's Inter role

Gianluca Zambrotta believes Barcelona should be able to handle life after Robert Lewandowski, with the former Italy international pointing to the club's attacking quality ahead of a new Champions League campaign. He also offered warm praise for Piotr Zieliński, describing the Poland midfielder as an important figure for Inter.

Zambrotta's view on Barcelona after Lewandowski

Barcelona enter this Champions League season without Lewandowski, who joined Chicago Fire in the summer. It is the first time since the 2011/12 season that the striker will not feature in Europe's top club competition.

Speaking to Sport.pl, Zambrotta said Lewandowski's departure should not create a major issue for Hansi Flick. While acknowledging the striker's stature, the former Barcelona defender stressed that the Spanish club still possess elite attacking options, naming Lamine Yamal and Raphinha as players capable of carrying the threat.

That assessment comes from a player with direct experience of the demands at Barcelona. Zambrotta represented the club between 2006 and 2008 after winning the World Cup with Italy, making 85 appearances, scoring three goals and providing five assists.

A decorated name with Barcelona and Juventus ties

Zambrotta was speaking after travelling to Wroclaw earlier this week for a press conference linked to a match between Polish and Italian legends scheduled for October 4. His comments on Barcelona carry extra weight given his history with both the Catalan side and Juventus, the two clubs that met in the 2014/15 Champions League final won by Barcelona.

His own memories of the competition are mixed. During his Barcelona spell, he was part of teams eliminated by Liverpool in the round of 16 and by Manchester United in the semi-finals. His best run in the tournament came with Juventus in 2002/03, when the Italian side reached the final before losing to Milan.

Zieliński backed to make an impact for Inter

Zambrotta also spoke positively about Zieliński's standing at Inter, where the midfielder is viewed as a player capable of influencing major matches. He said the Poland international has been doing excellent work and can make a difference in European competition as well as in domestic football.

Inter are carrying significant expectations in Italy this season after reaching the Champions League final in 2025, where they lost to Paris Saint-Germain. Zambrotta's view is that Zieliński has the quality and consistency to be a meaningful part of another deep run.

He highlighted the midfielder's importance to the team and suggested that, whenever he plays, he brings clear value on the pitch. It is a strong endorsement from a former World Cup winner who knows the standards required at the top end of the European game.

Inter's campaign already under way

Inter have already begun their latest Champions League campaign. Their opening result was a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid, with Zieliński introduced in the 60th minute.

For Zambrotta, though, the broader picture remains encouraging for both clubs he discussed: Barcelona still have enough talent to move forward without Lewandowski, and Inter have in Zieliński a midfielder he believes can matter on the biggest stage.