Nicola Zalewski

Nicola Zalewski (born 23 January 2002) is a Polish professional footballer who plays as a full-back or wing-back for Serie A club Roma. Born and raised in Italy to Polish parents, he plays for the Poland national team at international level.

Club career
Zalewski made his professional debut for Roma on 6 May 2021 in the Europa League semi-final against Manchester United, replacing Pedro at the 76th minute and being instrumental to the winning goal, an own goal by Alex Telles, seven minutes later. He made his Serie A debut three days later, on 9 May, during a home game against Crotone. On 29 December, Roma announced his contract had been extended until 2025. On 28 February 2022, he first played as a starter for Roma in their 1–0 against Spezia.

International career
Zalewski was born in Italy but he is not an Italian citizen due to the country's jus sanguinis nationality law. He was first selected by the youth selections of the Poland national team after being discovered by Zbigniew Boniek, head of the Polish Football Association and former Roma player. He made his debut for the senior team on 5 September 2021, in the World Cup Qualifier against San Marino where he came on in 66th minute and assisted Adam Buksa in the 94th minute who made it 7–1 for Poland.

On 7 June 2024, Zalewski was called up for UEFA Euro 2024. Three days later, he scored his first goal for Poland in a friendly against Turkey, dribbling down from the wing past two defenders and hitting a strike inside the box in the 90th minute to set the final score to 2–1.

Personal life
Zalewski was born in Tivoli to Polish parents and grew up in Poli. He has a sister, Jessica, born in 1992. His father, Krzysztof Zalewski, died of cancer on 24 September 2021.

International
Scores and results list Poland's goal tally first.

Honours
Roma Individual
 * UEFA Europa Conference League: 2021–22
 * UEFA Europa League runner-up: 2022–23
 * Polish Newcomer of the Year: 2022
 * Golden Boy Web: 2022